Dover Castle

The Visitor Admissions Building is conceived as a gateway building to orientate visitors and inform them of the programme of tours and places of interest within the castle. The building creates a sheltered gathering place below the mounds of St Mary’s Church and the Beacon and is organised in two parts.

An enclosed oak boarded block provides staff accommodation and WCs for visitors. The more open structure at the front houses the ticket hall and forms a welcoming space for arrivals, whilst giving staff extensive views across the car parks and site.

The low and simple elevations minimise its visual impact and ensure that views of the Beacon Mound, St Mary’s Church and other structures are retained when seen from the lower terraces and approaches. A green sedum roof unites the building with the surrounding grass mounds when seen from above. Distant views of the castle from the sea and the surrounding area are of historic importance.

RIBA Awards 2010 - Nominated