A multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone (F51 Sports Park), a state-of-the-art science hub built for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS Hilltop), and a striking new home in rural Kent that ‘takes the country house and turns it on its head’ (Waterfield House), have been named among the eight winners of a 2023 RIBA South East Award, recognising them as the best new buildings in the region.
Presented since 1966, RIBA’s awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
Also among the winners announced at a ceremony this evening were a housing and commercial development on Worthing’s seafront (Bayside) and a modern yet sensitively designed family home in the heart of the South Downs National Park (Black Timber House).
The F51 Sports Park was named as winner of RIBA South East Building of the Year Award 2023 (sponsored by EH Smith), with the judges praising the exceptional craftsmanship in providing a space for nurturing young people, describing it as a ‘labour of love’.
The 2023 RIBA South East Award winning projects are:
- F51 Sports Park by Hollaway Studio A multi-storey skatepark, providing a space for nurturing young people through sport
- Waterfield House by pH+ Architects Contemporary home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- RHS Hilltop, 1 by WilkinsonEyre Ground-breaking new centre for horticultural science and learning
- Bayside, Worthing by Allies and Morrison Complex of homes, restaurant, and commercial units on Worthing’s seafront
- House in Hove by Farshid Moussavi Architecture Five bedroom home, providing light filled oasis on suburban street
- Black Timber House by HAPA Architects Striking eco-house in the heart of the South Downs National Park
- Middle Avenue by Rural Office Low energy family home, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement
- Upper Maxted by Hollaway Studio Redesigned Grade II-listed farmhouse
The eight projects were selected by an expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA President, Simon Allford, said:
“Winning a RIBA regional award is a fantastic achievement. These projects, selected by a rigorous peer review process, represent the very best of the region’s new architecture. Inspiring buildings and spaces bring joy to all our lives, and this year’s award winners certainly fit that bill. Many congratulations to all.”
Full list of the regional special awards announced this evening:
- F51 Sports Park - RIBA South East Building of the Year 2023 (sponsored by EH Smith) and RIBA South East Client of the Year 2023
- Black Timber House - RIBA South East Small Project of the Year 2023 (sponsored by Gaggenau)
RIBA South East Award winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on 22 June. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later in the year.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further press information please contact Press.Office@riba.org
- High resolution images and jury citations: https://riba.box.com/v/RIBASouthEastWinners2023
- RIBA Special Awards are sponsored by Gaggenau, EH Smith and Autodesk.
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and are judged and presented locally. No matter the shape, size, budget or location, RIBA Award winning schemes set the standard for great architecture all across the country. RIBA Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows.
- Entries are submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated. Projects are judged first for RIBA
- Regional Awards, then RIBA National Awards; the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA National Awards.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
