Macallan Distillery on RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist 2019

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience has been shortlisted for the UK’s prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

The Macallan is already established as one of the most famous whisky makers in the world and wanted a new centre that could reveal the production processes and welcome visitors while remaining sensitive to the beautiful surrounding countryside. Designed by senior partner Graham Stirk, with associate partner Toby Jeavons as project architect, the building’s exterior displays sensitivity to its location whilst highlighting a new phase of the practice’s architectural outputs.

Speaking as the shortlist was announced, senior design partner Graham Stirk said: “We are understandably delighted to be included on the shortlist. It has been an honour to have assisted The Macallan in realising their vision for a new 21st century distillery and visitor experience within one of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. It signals that the future as well as respecting the past to create a unique addition to the brand home. This serves to communicate the traditions, beauty, and importance of Scottish whisky-making to the world. The resulting building represents a new aspect to our vocabulary; a form of contextual modernity, and we have been intellectually enriched by the whole experience.”

The new building provides a facility capable of increased production and also allows for easy expansion in years to come. Internally, a series of production cells are arranged in a linear format with an open-plan layout revealing all stages of the process at once. These cells are reflected above the building in the form of a gently undulating roof, formed by a timber gridshell. Grass-covered peaks rise and fall from The Macallan estate grounds, signalling to approaching visitors the activities housed beneath. Set into the naturally sloping contours of the site, the design makes direct references to ancient Scottish earthworks.

The project architect, RSHP associate partner, Toby Jeavons said: “Having the Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience shortlisted for such a prestigious architectural award is a wonderful acknowledgment for the building and recognition of all the hard work undertaken by the entire project team.”

For more information about the Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience please click here Macallan Distillery for our project descriptions on our website including sketches and plans.