The studio, one of the AJ’s 40 under 40 emerging practices, was chosen ahead of rival submissions by ShedKM, Mark Wray Architects and Harrison Stringfellow.
The estimated £5 million project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will deliver an extension to the museum housing artist studios and overnight accommodation.
The new building will provide exhibition space, artist studios and accommodation and 10 overnight guest rooms for stays at the museum which is located at the heart of Rawtenstall’s historic Whitaker Park.
Editional Studio’s winning design has been conceived as a colourful beacon on the hill, drawing visitors across the park. The new wing is set back from the historic house, mirroring the historic stables on the opposite side.
The proposed building connects the museum to the wider site, making sure the varied levels are fully accessible. The chequerboard façade has been designed as an invitation to guests, artists-in-residence and visitors to explore the arts space.
Editional Studio director Jack Richards said: ‘The competition brief called for a public building that is both highly sustainable and a striking design. It really resonated with our approach as a practice and we gave it our all.
‘The proposed design sensitively responds to the historic setting, while not holding back on the bright, exciting architecture that reflects the dynamic organisation that calls the building home.’
Whitaker creative director Gaynor Seville said: ‘The Whitaker is a forward-facing museum and art gallery that aims to foster inclusive, vibrant communities that thrive within our natural environment.
‘We are delighted to be working with Editional Studio on the next chapter in the museum’s history. The concept design captured the bold approach we want to see for the new extension, and their thoughtful engagement with the site’s history and constraints really showed through.’
The Whitaker is a museum and gallery which has occupied a former family home in Rawtenstall since 1902. Four years ago, Day Architectural completed an expansion that linked a barn to the main house and created an events space and café.
The brief for the latest competition called for a ‘unique, striking and artistic new building that is totally distinct from the original house and becomes an attraction in itself’.
The invited teams each received £1,500 to prepare a RIBA Stage 1 equivalent concept for the project.
Editional Studio was set up by Jo Sharples and Jack Richards in 2019, and is a member of the recently formed Northwest Small Practice Forum. It will now receive £25,000 to prepare a RIBA Stage 2 equivalent concept design.