The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects as the winner of the 2024 Stephen Lawrence Prize.
Wraxall Yard sensitively restores and converts the ruins of an old dairy farm into a highly accessible holiday lets with an educational smallholding and community space. Born out of Wraxall Yard Director Nick Read’s personal experience with inaccessible holiday accommodation for wheelchair users and sub-standard retrofits that didn’t centre the experiences of disabled persons, he partnered with architect Clementine Blakemore to create this beautifully-crafted, accommodating destination that offers visitors comfort and independence.
Much of the historical fabric of the building has been retained, with existing stone, salvaged roof trusses, and two thirds of the original clay tiles reused; while the full spirit of the local vernacular manifests through use of lime mortar stonework and the new Douglas fir screens.
The jury was impressed by how deeply both client and architect immersed themselves in the project. Through intense research, consultation, and collaboration, the ambition to create something beautiful where people of all abilities could engage with the natural world has been fully realised.
Matthew Goldschmied, Jury Chair, Managing Trustee at the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said:
“Sensitivity and ingenuity are evident in every detail of the transformation of Wraxall Yard. Inclusive and accessible design so often implies special treatment for one group or another, but this project appears to transcend all points of differentiation. The fundamental narrative for all who visit is a warm welcome to a nurturing place where a shared garden protects, comforts, and unites in equal measure. Relentless design consistency has delivered spaces that feel appropriate in scale, form and materiality – all of which are perfectly balanced throughout."
Founded by Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, the annual Prize was established in 1998 in memory of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager and aspiring architect who was the victim of a fatal racist attack in 1993. With a focus on encouraging and nurturing new talent, the award exclusively recognises projects led by an early career project architect. This is typically someone who has qualified within five years prior to the project’s completion date.
Find out more about the Special Awards and hear from the winners on RIBAJ
