Public Buildings: New Build & Refurbishment
Winner: Multi-Faith Centre, Derby

The Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22, houses seven main faiths. In designing this new centre, overt religious references were to be avoided, concentrating on fundamental forces, which were interpreted as a group of 'ancient' stones. Aesthetics were to be clean and pure with the white slabs emerging from the ground.

SPE Architecture achieved sweeping curves and minimalistic straight clean lines by using the PermaRock mineral fibre and lamella insulated render systems, including 80 mm of insulation for a 0.35W/m2K U-value. The white acrylic render created a striking single storey building. The system designer was PermaRock Products Ltd; and the installer, George Howe Ltd - both INCA members.