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Kroon Hall at Yale University was named “Building of the Year” by the UK’s architecture sector, during the prestigious AJ100 awards. The new building, designed by Hopkins Architects for the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, was one of six shortlisted entries – from a total of 33 – and ultimately selected as the winner by a panel of expert judges.

The judges were impressed with the school’s simple, aesthetic form and green credentials – the project has been awarded LEED* ‘Platinum’, the highest certification, and is designed to be as close to carbon neutral as possible. Clad with yellow Briar Hill stone, the structure is lined with American red oak, much of which has been sourced from the university’s own forests.

The judges called the project:  “An outstanding design and exemplar for its sustainability credentials”. Judge Angela Brady, of Brady Mallalieu Architects, said: “The curved timber roof structure in the interior is a delight and the detailing looks impeccable. It is warm and welcoming and full of natural light. This addition to the campus must act like a magnet for students wanting to experience UK sustainable design at its best.”

The other shortlisted projects nominated for “Building of the Year” were:

Kentish Town Health Centre, London by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (highly commended)
Broadcasting Tower student accommodation, Leeds by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Winspear Opera House, Dallas, USA by Foster + Partners
New Biochemistry Building at the university of Oxford by Hawkins\Brown
Grosvenor Waterside residential project, London by Make

The judging panel included Angela Brady of Brady Mallalieu Architects, Mike Hussey, managing director of property fund Almacantar and Rory Olcayto, deputy editor of The Architects’ Journal.

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