A HAMPSHIRE tourist attraction’s newest building which had been labelled a monstrosity by critics has scooped a top architectural award.

The £3 million visitor centre at Mottisfont Abbey, designed by Burd Haward Architects, was criticised by traditionalists for being out of keeping with its surroundings.

But the judges of the South Regional Awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) thought otherwise.

They said: “The first impression of this building is a sense of welcome. It achieves a domestic simplicity that is carried from exterior to interior as one moves through the entrance sequence.

"This is married with a glorious materiality and crafted approach that results in a building that is both joyful and restful.”

Burd Haward took their inspiration from barns and other farm buildings in the area.

Walls are made from wood and glass, to reflect the wood and water found in the estate.

The land itself is reflected in the choice of Cor-Ten steel for the roof and some outer walls.

This is a distinctive, ‘rusty’ looking material that has been used to great effect in a number of buildings and sculptures, including Kew Gardens and the Angel of the North.

Mottisfont was one of five winners from south Hampshire.

The others were: The Observatory, Lymington by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Boldrewood Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton by Grimshaw Winchester Cathedral Learning Centre, Winchester by Hampshire County Council Architects Bighton Grange, near Winchester by ADAM Architecture.

Over the next six months, Mottisfont will also become home The Observatory, which is a mobile structure.

It consists of two parts that form an artist’s studio (The Study) and a public shelter (The Workshop), and will host three artist’s residencies during its time at Mottisfont.

James Robinson, RIBA Regional Director said: ‘We are very lucky to have such outstanding buildings winning RIBA Awards this year.

“The standard and variety of the entries in the South is great to see; from small private houses to the larger public and institutional buildings.

"The shortlist also demonstrates the fantastic amount of design talent in and around the region, with marvellous new buildings in the city by local 8architects as well as by well-known British and international practices.

"The region has many wonderful buildings and this year’s RIBA Award winners show that they are still being built’.

Region winners will will be considered for the RIBA National Awards to be annpunced in June 23.