Sainsbury Laboratory Interior

The building

The Sainsbury Laboratory, an 11,000 sq.m. plant science research centre set in the University of Cambridge’s Botanic Garden, brings together world-leading scientists in a working environment of the highest quality. The design reconciles complex scientific requirements with the need for a work of architecture that also responds to its landscape setting and provides a collegial, stimulating environment for innovative research and collaboration. The building comprises laboratories, support areas, and meeting spaces, together with the University’s Herbarium, new public café and an auditorium where academic symposia and public talks are held.

The Sainsbury Laboratory has won a variety of architectural awards:



Stirling Prize 2012

The Sainsbury Laboratory is delighted to have been chosen as the winner of the Stirling Prize for 2012. The Stirling Prize is the UK's most prestigious architecture prize and is awarded to the project built or designed in Britain "which has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year."

The building was described as a "timeless piece of architecture" and an "exceptional building." Judges highlighted the Laboratory's blending of private and public space, the flexibility of design that allows for evolving and changing scientific needs and its integration within the sensitive site of the University Botanic Garden. Lord Sainsbury said:

“I am delighted that Stanton Williams has won the RIBA Stirling Prize for the Sainsbury Laboratory, in competition with some outstanding buildings. I am also very proud to be associated with their inspiring building which sets a new standard for laboratory design and blends in beautifully with the historic Botanic Gardens.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

Tim Holt, Head of Communications, Office of External Affairs and Communications, University of Cambridge, tim.holt@admin.cam.ac.uk, Tel: 44 (0)1223 (7)65954


RIBA Award and East Building of the Year Award- June 2012

the Sainsbury Laboratory has received a RIBA Award and won the RIBA East Building of the Year Award. RIBA Awards for architectural excellence were presented to 50 buildings in the UK and nine buildings elsewhere in the EU. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize will be drawn from these winners.


Civic Trust Awards Winner- March 2012

The Sainsbury Laboratory has won a Civic Trust Award, with the judges commenting that it is an "exceptionally well conceived, designed and executed building which makes a substantial contribution to the modern architecture of Cambridge." The awards are focused on the benefits to the local community and it is particularly rewarding to see the broader benefits and significance of the Laboratory recognised in this way.

The World’s Best Learning Building 2011 at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona Sainsbury Laboratory Street

Designed by Stanton Williams architects, the Sainsbury Laboratory was selected by a panel of esteemed architects and designers, beating off competition from a shortlist of 17 entries. From a British perspective these included Zaha Hadid’s Evelyn Grace Academy, winner of this year’s Stirling Prize, Norman Foster’s Masdar Institute in the United Arab Emirates and the City of Westminster College by Schmidt Hammer and Lessen. The jury commended the project, saying: “This project connects building and landscape in a poetic and meaningful way. It is beautifully considered in terms of its human scale, and for activities for research and learning. The choice of materials displays a profound tactile sense.”

Other awards