In 1996 Cornwall County Council launched an RIBA competition to select an architect-led design team for a £28 million regeneration project on the waterfront in Falmouth to include the new £19 million National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

The competition attracted a good response with over 70 applications received. Five teams were selected to attend interview and present their ideas to the panel. Despite only practicing for two years, it was clear to the panel that Long & Kentish Architects would really immerse themselves in the design of the building. They were chosen as winners and appointed soon after the competition.

Construction of the Museum posed a number of interesting technical and environmental challenges, including building part of the Museum over the dock wall into the harbour, constructing a gallery below sea level and developing a design that could use the natural environment to assist in controlling the internal conditions of the galleries to reduce energy usage. The Museum was officially opened to the public in February 2003.

Awards

RTPI, South West branch, Planning Achievement Award 2002

RIBA Award 2003

Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award - Finalist 2003

The British Construction Industry Building Award 2003 - Highly Commended