Architect sought for £2.1m Imperial War Museum Duxford archive

The winner of the estimated £140,000 contract will refurbish an existing 1943 structure known as Building 104, and deliver a connected neighbouring facility to provide increased storage space at Britain’s largest aviation museum.

The phased 2,400m² scheme, planned to complete in 2018, follows the appointment of Grimshaw to remasterplan the 56ha site, which contains nearly 200 aircraft, military vehicles and naval vessels.

According to the brief: ‘As part of a major programme of works at IWM London, IWM will be required to provide additional storage space for our collections across the north side of IWM Duxford.

‘This contract covers the appointment of an experienced architectural design consultant to assist with building one, a 1,200m² new build, and building two, a 1,200m² conversion of Building 104 to accommodate additional storage.’

Built during the First World War, Duxford was used by the Royal Air Force until 1961 and the site remains an active airfield, hosting regular air shows. Key buildings include Foster + Partners’ £13.5 million American Air Museum (pictured), which won the 1998 RIBA Stirling Prize, and more than 30 listed structures including several hangars.

The latest project will expand storage space within Building 104 by creating a mezzanine floor. The museum is also considering a link connecting the converted building to the neighbouring new build, which will hold paper collections.

Both structures must be BREAAM excellent with a fire suppression system also expected to be required in the new build. Applicants must submit a separate bid for each of the two projects along with a third bid to deliver both.

Foster + Partners completed a £40 million overhaul of the Imperial War Museum’s central London home two years ago. The scheme, which is the first part of the museum’s larger regeneration masterplan, revamped the main exhibition spaces, café and shop inside the Grade II-listed building.

Bidders for the IWM Duxford storage project must have at least £5 million of employer’s liability insurance cover, £10 million of third party liability insurance and £5 million worth of professional indemnity liability insurance. Site investigations will also be required.

The winner will act as lead designer and will be responsible for coordinating a structural and civil engineer, mechanical and electrical engineer and a specialist fit-out designer appointed separately by IWM.

The deadline for applications is 2pm, 6 December.

How to apply

View the contract notice for more information

Contact details

Simon Bourne
IWM London
Lambeth Road
London
SE1 6HZ

Tel: 020 7416 5257
Email: sbourne@iwm.org.uk