The Hyde's Architectural Acclaim

THE HYDE, a stunning £3m conference, arts and education facility at Dillington House, Somerset, has been short-listed for one of the country's top architectural awards.

The Royal Institute of British Architects will announce at Bristol's Aardman Animation HQ on May 19, which of 13 South West projects will scoop the coveted prize.

Sara Burton, RIBA Events and Projects Administrator said: "RIBA awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment.

"They recognise excellence in architecture and are respected worldwide. The awards honour those who commission and build, as well as those who design."

The winner of the regional award is put forward to a national event and potentially the Stirling Prize, screened by Channel 4 in October with Kevin McCloud.

Dillington House, Ilminster, is the South West''s foremost conferencing centre. It is run by Somerset County Council and it also has a national reputation for its excellence as a residential adult education centre.

It's visionary director Wayne Bennett was the moving force behind the ambitious project.

He said: "The scheme was to construct a building of architectural distinction to be alongside the historic buildings at Dillington."

The Hyde, a state of the art facility housing boutique accommodation and two studios costing some three million pounds, was offically opened to universal acclaim in February 2009.

"At Dillington in beautiful South Somerset you can find one of the region’s best places to meet – a place of real quality and refinement," said Mr Bennett.

"Dillington, a former Prime Minister's residence, has long enjoyed a reputation for first class service but it now boasts something that will inspire anyone in the business world. The Hyde - opened its doors to business a year ago and has been wowing users ever since.

"Designed by the Bristol team of Purcell Miller Tritton, The Hyde boasts many surprising features that impress and surprise. For instance there is the deployment of an audacious cantilever which flies one of the studio rooms over the ancient garden wall.

Although you enter at ground level across a wooden bridge it soon becomes apparent that the ground drops sharply away and through large glass windows you are presented with amazing views of the Somerset countryside.

The effect is totally surprising and impressive. In a similarly stylish way, a mirror-pond reflects ripples across the ceiling of the Garden Room which leads to a sunken courtyard resplendent with giant bamboos and contemporary sculpture.

As well as two large meeting rooms and a stunning dining space, the building also incorporates fifteen boutique-style bedrooms many with their own private deck and extensive western views. Free wi-fi throughout is just part of the inclusive service.

The Hyde also has many eco-credentials. It sports perhaps the largest grass roof in Somerset as well as some very efficient solar panels. Much of the building is constructed in sustainably sourced timber and the insulation used consists of compressed wastepaper.

Rainwater is also harvested and is used for watering the gardens. Of course, locating a contemporary building on a historic site was challenging but with English Heritage support it has been ingeniously achieved without detriment to the other important buildings and their vistas.

This new addition adds enormously to the general offer at Dillington where excellence of service and flexibility are the key to its ongoing success.

PMT architect Dan Talkes, who masterminded the project said: "We are delighted that The Hyde has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

"We immediately recognised the poetic potential of exploiting the topography of the site. It was built on a steep incline with dramatic views across the sweeping countryside beyond.

"We were very concerned about its relationship with Dillington House, a beautiful building, itself and that it had to announce itself in its own right and yet remain true to the brief, which included sustainability. It also had to provide exceptional accommodation and a learning environment that was inspirational.

"We are very pleased with the result and the fact that RIBA has short-listed The Hyde is fantastic in itself."

For further information go to www.dillington.com or telephone Wayne Bennett on 01460 258 648.

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