'Elegant' Berman Guedes Stretton proposal wins Cheltenham contest

Oxford-based Berman Guedes Stretton has won the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum design competition with what can only be described as an understated scheme.

After showcasing all 77 weird and wonderful entries for the RIBA-organised contest, the eventual winner has come as something of a let-down.
 
The judges, however, were unanimous in their decision, describing the victorious design as '[possessing] clarity of vision and an uncomplicated consistency which gave it a simple elegance and logic'.
 
As well as praising its 'eco-friendly aspects', the jury also felt that the development would 'enhance the surrounding area' by creating a link through to Cheltenham's oldest building, the medieval St Mary's church.
 
The practice saw off London's Ellis Williams, David Grindley Architects from Milton Keynes, and Rambøll Whitbybird's Manchester office to land the project to expand and redevelop the existing gallery buildings.
 
Gary Gollins of Berman Guedes Stretton said: 'It is gratifying, when faced with so many high-quality submissions, that the jury panel have selected what we believe is essentially a very simple and straightforward proposal. 
 
'We are particularly pleased that the energy and enthusiasm we have invested in the competition will now be allowed to continue through to the realisation of this important project.'