The Dalton Building

The Dalton Building has become a striking new landmark in Manchester with its façade brought to life by its shimmering gold anodised perforated panels. The panels, finished in Regency Gold, showcase the consistency that anodising delivers.

Beyond appearance, anodised aluminium plays an important role in the building’s sustainability. Durable, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable, it supports the environmental goals of the Faculty of Science and Engineering while adding a bold architectural identity.

Inside, the Dalton Building is designed to bring people together, combining social spaces with laboratories, a true example of how anodised finishes can help fuse functionality with design.

On winning the RIBA North West Building of the Year Award 2026, a RIBA spokesperson said the building was:

"A compelling model for university buildings, combining spatial generosity, environmental quality and technical rigour within a coherent and compelling whole. [It provides] a resilient framework capable of evolving with future academic needs.”

Sue Emms, Principal at architects BDP, said:

"To see both the Dalton Building and Foundation recognised by the RIBA is a brilliant result for the teams behind these projects. They are very different buildings, but both show how architecture can bring new energy, purpose and opportunity to the places around them.

"The Dalton Building is a particularly important project for Manchester and for the wider North. Education buildings like this are catalysts for inclusive growth in cities. To receive the North West Building of the Year award is a huge achievement for everyone involved and we are incredibly proud."

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