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Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams wins 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize
News: the Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams has been awarded the 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize for the most significant contribution to British architecture this year.
![Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Sainsbury-Laboratory-by-Stanton-Williams-9.jpg)
A combination of limestone columns and concrete bands surrounds the exterior of the building, which provides scientific research facilities in the botanic gardens of Cambridge University.
![Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Sainsbury-Laboratory-by-Stanton-Williams-8.jpg)
Glass-fronted laboratories allow scientists to look out onto a courtyard at the centre of the building, beyond a double-height corridor filled with informal meeting areas.
![Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Sainsbury-Laboratory-by-Stanton-Williams-17.jpg)
Read more about the project in our earlier story.
The building was one of six shortlisted entries, including projects by OMA and David Chipperfield – read more about each one here.
Previous winners include Zaha Hadid for the Evelyn Grace Academy (2011) and the MAXXI Museum (2010), and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners for the Maggie's Centre in London (2009) - see all our stories about previous winners here.
See more stories about Stanton Williams »
Photography is by Hufton + Crow.