Congratulations to OMK Hari Philllips (1986-92), Director of Bell Phillips Architects, who were recently awarded an RIBA National Award for The Mitchell Building at The Skinners' School, Royal Tunbridge Wells.  The RIBA National Awards are given to buildings across the UK to recognise their significant contributions to architecture.

The new arts and humanities building for The Skinners' School is one of just 29 National Award winners and follows on from success in the National Civic Trust Awards.

The building contains a sixth-form centre, English department and library that has helped the school expand to accommodate more pupils. The design was developed from a careful analysis of the Gothic revival style of the original school buildings with a design that uses a matching brick with a strong emphasis on verticality and repetition, in a similar manner to the existing buttressed hall. The result is an addition to the school that respects its history whilst looking confidently to the future.

Natural, biophilic materials are used throughout with marmoleum flooring, timber cladding, wood-wool acoustic panels and carpets made from recycled fishing nets. Passive daylighting and natural ventilation was prioritised with all classrooms being double or triple aspect, hugely reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, whilst exposed concrete soffits regulate the internal temperature and give generous floor to ceiling heights.

Guy Ayling and Fran Reid were delighted to meet Hari at the OMK Drinks Reception in London on 15 June and hear first-hand about some of the many exciting projects he's worked on in recent years.

Other Awards received by Hari and Bell Phillips Architects include:

Civic Trust Award 2022 – The Mitchell Building – Winner

New London Award 2021 – Southwark Park Pavilion – Winner

RIBA London Award 2021 – Ludlow Lodge – Winner

Civic Trust Award 2021 – Granary Square Pavilion – Winner

New London Award 2020 – Granary Square Pavilion – Winner

Housing Design Award 2019 – Cosway Street – Winner

New London Award 2019 – Marklake Court – Winner

Civic Trust Award 2019 – St. Chad’s & Gasholder Park – Winner

RICS London Award 2019 – Marklake Court – Winner

Civic Trust Award 2018 – Bracelet Close – Winner

RIBA London Award 2018 – Gasholder Park – Winner

RIBA East Award 2018 – St. Chad’s – Winner

Civic Trust Award 2017 – Greenwich Housing & Bruyn’s Court – Winner

RIBA East Award 2017 – The Echoes – Winner