A self-build project in London and a level-access home for retirees in Sussex are among the “breathtaking pieces of architecture” vying for the Royal Institute of British Architect’s House of the Year 2024.
The six-strong shortlist also includes a courtyard house in Cornwall, a residence in Sussex tailored to its ageing clients and a home in London designed for adaptability.
Outside the south of England, the only project to have made the shortlist is the transformation of a Grade II-listed stable block in Monmouthshire, Wales.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards the House of the Year prize to what it deems to be “the UK’s best new home”.
It was established in 2013 in place of the Manser Medal, which was set up in 2001.
RIBA president Muyiwa Oki described the 2024 contenders as “exemplars in sensitive restoration, climate-conscious design and ingenious urban placemaking”.
“Individually, they are truly remarkable, breathtaking pieces of architecture; together they offer scalable solutions to issues faced by our built environment – from reinventing existing buildings to working with complex and constrained sites,” said Oki.
However, their true success lies in the health and wellbeing of those that live inside them: there can be no greater mark of achievement for an architect.
Plas Hendy Stable Block, the only project on the list outside the south of England, is a Welsh home in a converted stable. The project by Studio Brassica Architects brought the building to modern-day standards while paying homage to its original Arts and Crafts architecture.
Over in England, the shortlisted Eavesdrop house is designed by Tom Dowdall Architects to suit the lifestyles of its retired clients. It features level thresholds to ensure accessibility and a central courtyard to maximise natural light and ventilation.
One of two shortlisted projects in London is Peckham House – a self-build project by the founders of Surman Weston. It is distinguished by hit-and-miss brickwork and incorporates a hidden roof terrace.
The second London project is Six Columns, a home designed by 31/44 Architects to adapt to the changing needs of its owners. It was also recently named one of the UK’s best new buildings in the RIBA National Awards.
Another RIBA National Award winner on the shortlist is Farmworker’s House.
Located in a tree-lined field in Cornwall, the house by Hugh Strange Architects has tactile lime-render walls that wrap a courtyard to evoke the layout of a traditional farmstead.
The final project on the list is The Hall, a Grade II-listed house in Kent dating back to the 16th century, refurbished by TaylorHare Architects.
It has been renovated to improve its environmental performance while modernising its interiors.
The winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2024 will be announced in December.
Last year’s winner was Green House by Hayhurst & Co, which RIBA hailed as an “extraordinary ordinary house”. The polycarbonate-lined dwelling slots into a compact site in London.
Previous winners of the award include Caring Wood by architects James Macdonald Wright and Niall Maxwell and House on the Hill by Alison Brooks Architects.
