Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Musem and Distillery
by Elphick Associates
Client Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Museum and Distillery
Award RIBA North East Award 2025, RIBA North East Client of the Year 2025 (sponsored by Equitone) and RIBA North East Building of the Year 2025 (sponsored by EH Smith)
The award winner tells us: "Ad Gefrin incorporates an Anglo-Saxon museum and full-process whisky distillery (including secure cask store), bistro, shop, and visitor facilities.
Located in a landmark position at the gateway to the Wooler conservation area, it sits adjacent to an arterial road running north of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The clients aimed to revitalise the local community by stimulating the visitor economy, transforming a derelict site with a new-build scheme echoing ancient aesthetics, in addition to reconstructing a 17th-century dye mill and cottage. Together the client and architect selected the design team via competitive tender, prioritising local and regional companies."
The jury says: "The building is clearly a labour of love. From the quality of the materials, construction and details, you can feel that every element has been crafted with care and precision. The high quality of the delivery is a testament to the skill of the architect and the relationship with the client.
A palette of repurposed oak and stone, charred timber and traditional materials contrasts with the galvanised steel and utilitarian elements of the brewing process. The building goes above and beyond to set a new benchmark for environmental sustainability."
Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal
Contractor Brims Construction
Quantity surveyor/cost consultant Todd Milburn
Structural engineer Red Fox Consulting Engineers
Environmental/M&E engineer JCP Consulting Engineers
Interior design Studio MB
Lighting design Michael Grubb Studios
Distillery design and equipment Forsyths Ltd
Access consultant Burdus Access Ltd
Ecology E3 Ecology
Security Trident Manor
CAD services James Ritchie Architect Limited
Gross internal area 2,958m²
