Building
Sheffield Winter Garden
Address
Winter Garden, Surrey Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S1 2LH.
What it is
The Winter Garden is a spectacular glazed public space in the heart of Sheffield city
centre, extensively landscaped with exotic trees and plants, it is an indoor park providing
an important amenity for the public in the city centre and a counterpoint to the open air
'summer' Peace Gardens nearby.
Opening date
December 2002
Architect or designer
Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects
Building contractor or engineer
Buro Happold – structural and services engineers
Occupants or owners
Sheffield City Council
Who paid for the building
Millennium Commission, Sheffield City Council and English Partnerships.
How much did it cost
Part of the £120m Heart of the City regeneration project that has created the Peace
Gardens and the £15m Millennium galleries.
Energy fact
The building has an intelligent Building Management System which controls fans and vents to
make sure the plants are cooled in summer and kept warm in winter. The system will 'learn'
year-on-year.
Sustainability fact
Much of the building is made from larch, a durable timber which over time, turns a silvery
grey colour. The larch, derived from sustainable forests, requires no preservatives or coatings.
Materials fact
The roof glazing is supported on a composite structure of laminated timber and stainless
steel connectors in the form of arches.
Design fact
The structure of the Winter Garden is clear and legible and the forms and materials
natural and familiar. The scale is spectacular and awesome providing a memorable experience
for all visitors – young and old.
Function fact
One of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK during the last hundred years
has created a stunning green world in the heart of the city. It rises toward the centre to
provide height for the taller plants, a sense of drama to the interior and to define and
express a central court or gathering space opposite the Millennium Galleries.
Location fact
Together with the Millennium Galleries the Winter Garden forms a pedestrian hub linking the
Civic, Arts and University quarters of Sheffield – a cultural route through to the city centre.
Quotes
"The Winter Garden is a glittering beacon for a seemingly brighter future." (Civic Trust)
The best thing about the building
"A wonderful places to go to escape life yet is in the middle of the city centre ... wonderful".
The worst thing about the building
It closes too early at 6pm!
Awards
RIBA Award 2003
Civic Trust Award 2004
Royal Fine Art Commission Building of the Year
Jeu d’Esprit Award 2003
Wood Award shortlisting 2003
Did you know?
It is home to more than 2,000 plants from all around the world.
It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 22 May 2003.
It is large enough to accommodate 5,000 domestic greenhouses!
What else to see
In urban terms the building was conceived as a covered galleria linking Tudor Square,
Hallam Square and the Peace Gardens and forming an integral part of the network of
pedestrian streets in the area capable of being occupied all the year round, day or night.
Grid reference
SK355871
