The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects as the winner of the 2024 Stephen Lawrence Prize.
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.
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.
Key to the brief was to integrate accessible features with elegance, in such a way so as not to compromise the overall design vision. Clever landscaping removes the need for ramps and obvious handrails, while a mix of polished concrete floors and exposed doorframes reduce drag and mitigate bumps for wheelchairs. Improved access, such as vast open space, provides a generosity that benefits everyone. The project proves that inclusive design is not only a set of standards that need to be met, but something that enhances the experience of space for everyone.
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.
Each technical detail appears simple and well resolved. Yet this apparent simplicity belies a remarkable level of design skill and intelligence, given the technical complexities and constraints presented.
Resources have been expertly supervised; from the retention and reuse of existing structures and materials to the skills of local craftspeople whilst respecting the imperative for a delicate environmental touch.
For an early-career architect to have devised, managed and delivered such a perfectly balanced project is remarkable and fully deserves the accolades it has already and continues to receive.”
The Stephen Lawrence Prize is sponsored by the Marco Goldschmied Foundation.
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- Images and citations can be downloaded here and a short film featuring the architect and client is available to view here.
- The Stephen Lawrence Prize celebrates new talent by exclusively recognising projects led by an early career project architect. For this award, we define an early career architect as someone who has qualified as an architect typically within 5 years prior to the project completion date, although we consider mitigations that may impact this timeframe. We recognise that some entrants may not have been working full time for a range of reasons. To be inclusive we actively encourage applications from people who may have been working for longer than five years but have spent time outside of their professional career. Previously, the prize was awarded to the best projects with a construction budget of less than £1 million - see further information here.
- The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation was established amid unprecedented growing global awareness of racial inequality, and exists to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK. The Foundation has been working tirelessly with stakeholders in education, business, and government to develop a framework that will become the bedrock of the foundation’s future work.
- The Marco Goldschmied Foundation was created by Marco Goldschmied in 1998 and continues to sponsor The Stephen Lawrence Prize for architecture and to award grants and donations for education in architecture and the arts. The Foundation supports research into innovation in the arts, environment and human rights fields by the provision of grants and awards to individuals or other charitable organisations.
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966. 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 to be submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on X for regular updates.
