Stanton Williams

Compton Verney’s Grade I listed mansion was rescued from English Heritage’s Building at Risk register and transformed into a major new arts venue.

The exterior of the building was restored. Rooms within the interior were refurbished where appropriate, and new ‘rooms within rooms’ were created where spaces were beyond repair. Display flexibility was maximised by building a new contemporary extension that, through its proportions and choice of materials, complements the existing mansion. The visitor experience and circulation were enhanced through careful planning of the flow of space between the three floors of galleries. Glass ramps, bridges and stairs were designed to link buildings and help capture the magical qualities of the light at Compton Verney.In phase II a new education centre and offices were created set amongst restored historic out-buildings, linked to the mansion by a new underground walkway. Environmental engineering was integrated into the historic fabric of the building to provide galleries that can be environmentally controlled. Underfloor heating is provided by energy extraction from the lake via a heat exchange pump.

Compton Verney has won six awards and was voted ‘Excellence in England - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2006’.