Berlin 'waschmaschine' Wins Architecture Prize

German chancellor Gerhard Schröder's new office - which critics liken to a giant washing machine - scooped Germany's most prestigious architectural prize last night.

The vast glass and concrete chancellery in Berlin was named Germany's most outstanding new building of the past two years, despite complaints from Mr Schröder that it was "too big" and that passersby could see into his lavatory.

Mr Schröder seems to have swallowed his reservations after a jury described its design as "brave" and "expressive".

"It isn't just another lousy office block," said Peter Conradi, president of Germany's federal chamber of architects . "A lot of new buildings in Berlin make you yawn. This isn't one of them."

The former chancellor Helmut Köhl approved plans for the seven-storey palace back in 1995, after reunification and the decision to move the capital to Berlin. The building was nicknamed the Kohlosseum in tribute to Mr Kohl's - and the building's - huge proportions. But Berliners have grown to love the Waschmaschine, named after the big hole at one end.

The £17,000 prize is shared between the three main architects - Axel Schultes, Charlotte Frank and Christoph Witt.