A centre for innovation (Durley Chine Environmental Hub) and a gravity-defying home (House for a Violinist) reveal that buildings in the South West of the UK are pushing the boundaries for what is possible in terms of architecture and materials. Historic buildings have been meticulously preserved and enhanced, including world-class heritage (Bath Abbey Footprint Project), adapted rural properties (Old School House) and important community infrastructure (Jubilee Pool Lido).
Presented since 1966, the RIBA Awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
The RIBA South West Awards 2024 were announced at a ceremony this evening, at which Durley Chine Environmental Hub was named as winner of RIBA South West Building of the Year Award 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith). The jury remarked that the project was the “definition of a holistic approach” and that it acted as “a catalyst for further action.”
The 2024 RIBA South West Award-winning projects are:
● Bath Abbey Footprint Project by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Repair, conservation work and much-needed new facilities at the centre of the UNESCO City of Bath
● Claremont Road by James Grayley Architects
A compact new house set around two courtyards
● Durley Chine Environmental Hub by Footprint Architects Ltd
This highly insulated, Passivhaus certified, timber-framed education, welfare and exhibition space acts as a beacon for low carbon innovation
● Farmworker's House by Hugh Strange Architects
A single-storey courtyard house for a farm manager, considerate of the surrounding rural landscape
● House for a Violinist by Klas Hyllén Architecture
A careful renovation to a Grade II listed building stretching across three weavers’ cottages
● Jubilee Pool Lido by ScottWhitbyStudio WebbYates Engineers, ARUP, PT Projects
This year-round community hub features a naturally-heated geothermal pool
● Matter Studios by Stonewood Design
An open, welcoming, flexible studio that supports, frames, and shapes how the company works
● Old School House by Bindloss Dawes Architects
This Grade-II listed home is nestled within a picturesque valley in Pitcombe
● Patch Elm Lane by Mitchell Eley Gould
Four new houses that show how well-designed, low-carbon housing can be built at a viable commercial cost
● Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects
A sensitively restored dairy farm offering inclusive holiday accommodation, a community space, and educational smallholding
The 10 projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:
“This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture, and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country. They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show what can be achieved when architects and clients collaborate successfully.”
RIBA South West Jury Chair, Graham Bizley said:
“This year’s RIBA Award winners highlight the breadth and quality of new architecture in the south-west, from small domestic extensions to major civic buildings. It is inspiring to see a growing commitment to reduce the impact of construction on the environment, through consideration of re-use, embodied carbon and energy in-use. Particular examples include the use of geothermal energy to heat the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, using the thermal hot springs to heat Bath Abbey, and extensive use of reclaimed materials in the Environmental Hub at Bournemouth, demonstrating how an understanding of local conditions can lead to innovative responses specific to their place.”
Full list of the regional special awards announced this evening:
● Durley Chine Environmental Hub (BCP Council) - RIBA South West Building of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by EH Smith), RIBA South West Sustainability Award of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by Autodesk), RIBA South West Client of the Year 2024
● Bath Abbey Footprint Project - RIBA South West Conservation Award 2024,
● Wraxall Yard (Clementine Blakemore) - RIBA South West Project Architect of the Year 2024
● Farmworker's House - RIBA South West Small Project of the Year 2024
RIBA South West Award 2024 winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on 11 July. 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
Bobby Jewell| bobby@bobby-jewell.com | 07915 566640
Robert Fiehn| rob@robertfiehn.com | 07814 078946 - High resolution images and jury citations: https://riba.box.com/RIBASouthWestWinners2024
- RIBA Special Awards are sponsored by 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.
