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tommyflan

POLL: What's Britain's best building?

Tom Flanagan
8 years ago

London's Walkie Talkie has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and as of today has officially been dubbed 'Britain's ugliest building'. Now we're not ones to point the finger at anyone's architecture (they're all welcome on Houzz) so we thought as we've found out the 'worst', why not try and see what the best buildings out there are?

We've compiled a (very) short list of some of Britain's most celebrated and beautiful bits of architecture, and we want to hear which you think takes the biscuit! This is by no means a full shortlist, but hopefully it will inspire you to share some of your favourites - just comment below!

St. Pancras
Salisbury Cathedral
The Shard
Durham Cathedral
St. Paul's
Other - tell us below!
Featured Answer
  • dragonflyblue57
    8 years ago

    How about The Brighton Pavilion, it's beautiful both inside and out and has such an interesting history.


    Comments (73)

    • Tom Flanagan
      Original Author
      8 years ago

      Hi @BurrellMistry!

      We've just put together a few iconic buildings but as explained, this is by no means a full shortlist. If anything, hopefully these will serve as encouragement and inspiration to share your own favourite - we'd love to see!

    • PRO
      Burrell & Mistry
      8 years ago

      Choosing mainly old buildings is rather depressing. As for modern architecture Britain has very few World Class Buildings as witnessed by the Stirling prize which they should not award if there isn't a worthy winner. How about the Aquatic Centre

    • PRO
      Amber Jeavons Ltd
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      Hello Tom,

      Wanted to add some more modern favourites... Not current either in the UK

      Erno Goldfinger Willow rd Trellik etc...

      Chamberlin Powell and Bon Barbican


      Not in the UK...

      In Joshua tree.. Robert Stone

      Frank Lloyd Wright... (Ennis and others...

      Civic centre California

      John Lautner Marbrisa Acapulco

      One more thing.......

      Stahl case study # 22 Pierre Koenig... (LA has fantastic architecture and.... because I loved Columbo when I was little and still do! I think it inspired my interest to a degree



    • PRO
      D.A Decorators
      8 years ago

      St Pauls

    • PRO
      9yards architecture
      8 years ago
      Burgh Island Hotel - but don't tell anyone, it's our secret! ;)
    • PRO
      Sophie Nguyen Architects
      8 years ago

      The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich, by Foster + Partners

      • The Sainsbury Centre is an art gallery conceived as one single space, filled with light. At each end of the building, floor to ceiling windows open the space up to the surrounding landscape. It was built in 1978, and is an amazing building, still providing a wonderful experience.
    • PRO
      Bow Tie Construction
      8 years ago

      St Pankers building is the best as you can enjoy staying in it.

    • PRO
      Stone Design London
      8 years ago

      St Pauls - wonderful example of Wren's architecture to create a grand city following London destruction after great fire.

    • PRO
      Peter Staunton Interior Design
      8 years ago

      St Pancras - Its structure is classy and refined. A piece of architectural history.

    • frango1
      8 years ago
      Liverpool Anglican cathedral
    • PRO
      Chesney's Architectural
      8 years ago

      Classical refinement at its best

    • Chantal Ouyang
      8 years ago

      Love St.Pancras. I always wonder who're those lucky chaps living in the chamber apartments? It's a dream home!

    • PRO
      VENN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES LTD
      8 years ago

      Christopher Wren one of our favourite architects

    • PRO
      Chamberlain Design
      8 years ago

      The main concourse at St Pancras is truly an engineering wonder.

    • Patrick Vincent
      8 years ago

      St. Pancreas is a great icon

    • PRO
      Harris Irwin Associates
      8 years ago

      Durham Cathedral

    • PRO
      User
      8 years ago

      When building was at its greatest in GB

    • PRO
      Red Deer
      8 years ago

      I voted for St. Pancras

    • PRO
      plumbing solutions
      8 years ago

      the Swan Hotel, Lavenham.

    • cocolori
      8 years ago

      I like some of the slightly wackier, smaller ones. Like the Pineapple!



      http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/pineapple-10726/

    • PRO
      Williams Creative Design
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      As an architect the shard shows a break from the conventional view which makes it stand out, anything that is this prominent needs to make a big statement

    • PRO
      Clegg Associates
      8 years ago

      Love the contrast of traditional exterior and contemporary interior!

    • PRO
      A Squared Architects Ltd
      8 years ago

      yet to actually get inside it, but building next to London Bridge and over the tube is something else

    • PRO
      Robin Ashley Architects
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      Brilliant modern design from Renzo Piano

    • moiraford
      8 years ago
      Has to be Liverpool metropolitan Catherdral, designed I believe to represent the crown of thorns, affectionately known as Paddys Wigwam. As the top circular piece is entirely stained glass the coloured light fills the space. It is the most ethereal building I have ever been in.
    • PRO
      OVRLL
      8 years ago

      great victorian architecture

    • PRO
      Lett+Sweetland Architects
      8 years ago

      excellent modern architecture

    • PRO
      Michael Cupial Architect
      8 years ago

      excellent inspiring architecture defying height limits

    • PRO
      Mason Gillibrand Ltd
      8 years ago

      Superb Victorian architecture

    • PRO
      Alrewas Architecture
      8 years ago

      innovative

    • PRO
      Klas Hyllen Architects
      8 years ago

      As an architect, I just really like the mixture between old and new around the whole St Pancras/Kings Cross area

    • PRO
      Richard HutchingsLtd
      8 years ago

      Durham Cathedral. Sublime

    • PRO
      id Architecture
      8 years ago

      The Shard. Iconic

    • PRO
      Axess 2
      8 years ago

      We have to say Durham Cathedral! We recently carried out some work there and it's spectacular.

    • PRO
      RAL Architects Limited
      8 years ago

      Great transformation of an iconic building

    • PRO
      Dulwich Fires and Stoves
      8 years ago

      Beautiful building

    • PRO
      Doma Architects
      8 years ago

      The Shard, an incredible addition to London's skyline

    • PRO
      Alex Walker Architecture Ltd
      8 years ago

      What about something from the industrial north - Leeds Corn Exchange.

    • PRO
      The Plan Shop
      8 years ago

      cutting edge design

    • PRO
      Bradley Architecture
      8 years ago

      Amazing brickwork

    • PRO
      BEAM - Architectural Design Services
      8 years ago

      Stunning views from the top within a contemporary space.

    • PRO
      Shomera
      8 years ago

      Amazing!

    • PRO
      SNJ Architectural Design Ltd
      8 years ago

      These are all great buildings, but with the exception of the Shard, are all very traditional. Personally, I would like to see more contemporary examples: the Lloyds Building; Sainsburys in Camden, or my personal favourite, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the UEA outside Norwich. A very peaceful, calm and relaxing space.

    • PRO
      User
      8 years ago

      Contemporary interventions in historic building

    • PRO
      Trellik Design Studio
      7 years ago

      Coming from an architects point of view I've voted for Wren's majestic St Pauls Cathedral

    • PRO
      Gardenatics
      7 years ago

      As its the perfect example of how you bring an old building bang up to date

    • Rachael Fletcher
      7 years ago

      Durham Cathedral is my favourite building, particularly at Christmas time!

    • PRO
      Jameson Architectural Designers & Surveyors
      7 years ago

      Fell in love with Durham Cathedral when I visited four years ago.

    • PRO
      Sundridge Interiors
      7 years ago

      A tall structure that blends into its surrounding, the key ingredient to successful design in tall buildings!

    • PRO
      Normanton Designs
      7 years ago

      William Chambers' Somerset House, London.

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