Rogers Stirk Harbour, Witherford Watson Mann and Feilden Fowles make the Sterling Prize shortlist with culture and attractions schemes
Three out of the six projects on this year's Stirling Prize shortlist are culture, attractions and leisure-related, underlining the sector's reputation for producing innovative architecture.
The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience in Scotland (by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners), The Nevill Holt Opera in Leicestershire (Witherford Watson Mann Architects) and The Weston, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Feilden Fowles Architects) have all been chosen.
They're joined by Cork House, Goldsmith Street and London Bridge Station, completing the six-strong list.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize, is awarded to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment.
Criteria include “design vision, innovation and originality, capacity to stimulate engage and delight occupants and visitors, accessibility and sustainability, how fit the building is for its purpose and the level of client satisfaction.”
Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience
The £140m (US$187m, €160m) project, which took three and a half years to build, features an undulating, meadow-covered roof described as “one of the most complicated timber structures in the world”
Comprising 1,800 single beams, 2,500 different roof elements, and 380,000 individual components, almost none of which are equal or the same, the building was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and engineered by Arup.
The Nevill Holt Opera
The purpose-built, 400-seat theatre is hidden within a 17th century stable block on a Grade I-listed estate and replaces 10 years of temporary tent structures for the Neville Holt Opera festival.
The theatre is only fully revealed upon entering the space and has been designed to reflect its historic surroundings using natural materials.
The Weston, Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The £3.8m (US$4.7m, €4.4m) visitor centre is located at one of northern England’s most popular tourist attractions. The outdoor sculpture park houses works by artists such as Henry Moore.
The low-rise building comprises a 140sq m (1,500sq ft) restaurant, a 125sq m (1,340sq ft) gallery space, an 80sq m (860sq ft) public foyer and a 50sq m (538sq ft) shop.
Designed to create a warm, intimate feel, the rooms are smaller scale, with some heated by log burners.
Rogers Stirk Harbour Witherford Watson Mann Feilden Fowles Stirling Prize![Neville Holt Opera: Witherford Watson Mann Architects have created the theatre in board marked concrete, held away from the stable block walls by a compacted hoggin edge / Hélène Binet Neville Holt Opera: Witherford Watson Mann Architects have created the theatre in board marked concrete, held away from the stable block walls by a compacted hoggin edge / Hélène Binet](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/342499_424579_880741.jpg)
![Neville Holt Opera: Elegant bronze coloured cruciform columns support the dress circle above / Hélène Binet Neville Holt Opera: Elegant bronze coloured cruciform columns support the dress circle above / Hélène Binet](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/342499_612420_373961.jpg)
![Neville Holt Opera: The new building has been inserted into the stable yard within the stable block at Nevill Holt Hall / Hélène Binet Neville Holt Opera: The new building has been inserted into the stable yard within the stable block at Nevill Holt Hall / Hélène Binet](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/342499_759022_552588.jpg)
![Neville Holt Opera: There is no formal foyer to the opera - the walled gardens perform this role / Manuela Barczewski Neville Holt Opera: There is no formal foyer to the opera - the walled gardens perform this role / Manuela Barczewski](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/342499_129126_488881.jpg)
![The Weston: Inside the building, Feilden Fowles has kept finishes simple to create a domestic feel and scale / Peter Cook The Weston: Inside the building, Feilden Fowles has kept finishes simple to create a domestic feel and scale / Peter Cook](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_373962_278645.jpg)
![The Weston: The tones of the timber and the lime plaster have created a building with a warm, intimate feel / Peter Cook The Weston: The tones of the timber and the lime plaster have created a building with a warm, intimate feel / Peter Cook](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_16626_106352.jpg)
![The Weston: The building was designed to have as small an impact on the sculpture park as possible / Peter Cook The Weston: The building was designed to have as small an impact on the sculpture park as possible / Peter Cook](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_378893_788187.jpg)
![The Weston: The visitor centre's walls are constructed from layered pigmented concrete / Peter Cook The Weston: The visitor centre's walls are constructed from layered pigmented concrete / Peter Cook](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_922949_94756.jpg)
![The Macalan: A modular approach to the facilities means additional still rooms can be opened as required / Joas Souza The Macalan: A modular approach to the facilities means additional still rooms can be opened as required / Joas Souza](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_714722_820321.jpg)
![The Macalan: The visitor experience progresses through a sequence of spaces that follow the production story of the whisky / Joas Souza The Macalan: The visitor experience progresses through a sequence of spaces that follow the production story of the whisky / Joas Souza](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_229007_237379.jpg)
![The Macalan: The distillery takes its cues from ancient Scottish earthworks. The undulating roof is planted with a Scottish wildflower meadow and rises and falls over the production cells beneath / Mark Power The Macalan: The distillery takes its cues from ancient Scottish earthworks. The undulating roof is planted with a Scottish wildflower meadow and rises and falls over the production cells beneath / Mark Power](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_584096_921284.jpg)
![The Macalan: The new distillery and visitor centre is located within the estate of Easter Elchies House. / Mark Power The Macalan: The new distillery and visitor centre is located within the estate of Easter Elchies House. / Mark Power](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/HIGH342499_218403_616080.jpg)
New Tate St Ives in the running for 2018 Stirling Prize
Hastings Pier by dRMM Architects wins 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize
A stirling effort – Haworth Tompkins ‘Everyman Theatre’ bags prestigious Stirling prize
![The Macalan: The visitor experience starts with an introduction to the famous whisky brand / Joas Souza The Macalan: The visitor experience starts with an introduction to the famous whisky brand / Joas Souza](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB342499_900483_903487.jpg)
![The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353630_62059_888960.jpg)
Equinox Hotels to launch futuristic wellbeing resort in Neom's luxury coastal region
![La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353614_883337_602129.jpg)
La Maviglia resort and medi-spa launching in Puglia in 2027, designed by Oppenheim Architecture
![<i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox <i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353474_302327_308310.jpg)
Vogue launches first Global Spa Guide – picks 100 of the world’s best spas
![Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353441_374127_63861.jpg)
Japan's first Blue Zones longevity retreat to launch at Halekulani Okinawa
![Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353401_651305_938584.jpg)
Total Fitness to launch purpose-built Women’s Gym
![Ameyalli is set to become a Ameyalli is set to become a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353383_853999_207904.jpg)
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
![Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353320_853183_276818.jpg)
Life Time Group Holdings does US$40 million sale and leaseback deal to fund growth
![The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353273_404980_331768.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton Reserve to land in South America with tropical retreat in Rio de Janeiro
![The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353319_508894_607269.jpg)
Banyan Tree to debut in Caribbean with Oppenheim-designed island retreat
![The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353312_250269_555179.jpg)
Mandarin Oriental’s new London hotel and urban spa retreat opening 3 June
![Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888 Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353303_579850_639654.jpg)
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
![With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353291_520886_805831.jpg)
Merlin unveils record-breaking Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park
![Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353272_852222_343038.jpg)
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
![Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353237_656636_774240.jpg)
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
![The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353087_217202_51713.jpg)
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
![Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353000_63020_184996.jpg)
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
![The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352978_189491_463426.jpg)
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
![GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352968_235299_235120.jpg)
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
![Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352928_173701_285534.jpg)
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
![Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352879_963687_24541.jpg)
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
![Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352828_439021_221899.jpg)
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
![A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352818_952381_796315.jpg)
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
![The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352790_952033_494258.jpg)
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
![Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352675_858615_747220.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
![The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352640_564217_450366.png)
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
![Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352645_476299_726112.jpg)
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
![The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352639_655076_803947.jpg)
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
![The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352633_265705_625231.jpg)
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
![Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352629_690884_979904.jpg)
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
![The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352623_421727_382626.jpg)