WongAvery Music Gallery
by Níall McLaughlin Architects
Client Trinity Hall
Award RIBA East Award 2024 and RIBA National Award 2024.
The WongAvery Music Gallery is a unique project, built in a highly sensitive historic location and to a very specific and unusual brief. Surrounded by Grade I and Grade II listed buildings within an existing court at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, it provides a dedicated music practice and performance space. It also houses environmentally sensitive musical instruments and the college’s music library.
This small, single-space building responds to its challenging context and technically demanding brief with exceptional rigour. The technical challenges are addressed as an integral part of the architectural language: the material properties of Portland stone define the building’s character, as both structure and enclosure, but are also used to control acoustic reverberation and moderate temperature and humidity.
Most importantly, the project has created a space of calm, contemplative enjoyment for performers and audiences alike, supporting the ongoing musical life of the college.
Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal
Contractors Barnes Construction
Structural Engineer Smith & Wallwork
Environmental / M&E Engineer Max Fordham
Acoustic Engineer Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design
Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie
Stone Consultant Harrison Goldman
Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Gleeds
Gross internal area in m² 73