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Architect Agency
Whittam Cox Architects
Fabricator
Quest Solutions
Product solutions used
SOLEAL windows, GEODE façades and Stormframe STI doors
Photographer
John Kees
“It has been decided to give a special mention to this project for its exceptional work in skilfully renovating an aging building. The project successfully preserved the building’s original charm while employing basic yet effective materials to achieve a remarkable transformation at a minimal cost.”
Jury comments
The Béton House renovation in Sheffield, led by Whittam Cox Architects, is a key part of the regeneration of the Park Hill estate, a hallmark of Brutalist architecture. Originally built between 1957 and 1961, the structure now houses 356 students in a blend of townhouses, apartments, and studio flats. The project preserved much of the original concrete shell while modernizing interior and communal areas to create a functional, vibrant student residence.
Drawing inspiration from Le Corbusier's colour theory, the new façade incorporates bold layers of yellow, blue, ivory, and black, punctuated with red accents. This modern colour scheme was carefully designed to balance the interplay between the coloured elements and black details, ensuring a fresh, contemporary look. Replacing the original timber windows with full-height glazing opened the living spaces, allowing natural light to flood in, enhancing the feeling of openness and space. The once-dark under croft areas were transformed into light-filled communal zones for student activities.
Key to the project’s architectural success was the incorporation of SOLEAL opening windows, GEODE curtain walls, and Stormframe II Commercial Doors. These systems provided both aesthetic and functional benefits, allowing large expanses of glass while maintaining the structural integrity of the building. The high-performance curtain walling and glazing ensured enhanced natural light and thermal efficiency, seamlessly blending with the building's Brutalist roots.
Inside, the communal spaces were reimagined, with ground-floor colonnades converted into dynamic areas including a gym, cinema, and private dining spaces. The interior design was modernized with distinct zones for lounging, studying, and socializing, all aligned with the bold external colour palette. The thoughtful integration of furniture and interior finishes creates a balance between history and modern living.
Béton House stands as a model of how architectural restoration can honour a building's past while revitalizing it for contemporary use, merging student life with a rich architectural legacy.
