The RIBA House of the Year is one of the most celebrated accolades in British architecture, spotlighting the best in residential design and innovation. Each year, the award honours homes that challenge conventions, embrace sustainability, and redefine modern living.
In 2024, the award was claimed by the exceptional Six Columns, a contemporary family home designed by Will Burges of 31/44 Architects. Located in Crystal Palace, South London, this remarkable project highlights how thoughtful architecture can turn a tight suburban plot into a haven of functionality and beauty.
What is the RIBA House of the Year Award?
Since its inception in 2013, the RIBA House of the Year Award has recognised homes that embody the highest standards of architectural excellence. Organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the award has become a benchmark for innovative design, rewarding projects that push the boundaries of what a home can achieve.
The award considers factors such as:
- Architectural Innovation: Unique and creative approaches to residential design.
- Sustainability: Environmental responsibility in construction and functionality.
- Cultural Impact: How the design reflects or reimagines its context.
Previous winners include homes that have redefined luxury, sustainability, and adaptability, influencing architects and homeowners alike across the UK and beyond.
The RIBA House of the Year 2024 Winner: Six Columns
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The winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2024, Six Columns, is an architectural marvel situated in South London’s Crystal Palace. Designed by Will Burges, Director of 31/44 Architects, this four-bedroom home was crafted as a personal project for his family.
Key Features of Six Columns
- Structural Innovation: The house derives its name from six prominent columns that form its structure. These columns serve as a defining architectural element, lending character and functionality to the design.
- Seamless Integration: Six Columns reflects the scale and materials of neighbouring terrace houses but asserts its individuality through subtle modern touches.
- Adaptable Design: The home’s unfinished aesthetic and flexible layout ensure it can evolve with the needs of its occupants over time.
- Space Optimisation: Built on a constrained urban plot, the design maximises available space, creating a sense of openness and comfort.
A Visionary Statement
According to RIBA President Muyiwa Oki,
“Six Columns is a beautifully crafted family home that cleverly incorporates Brutalist references and creative flourishes while retaining a strong sense of suburban belonging. It offers a solution to future-proofed design, providing flexibility to adapt to the occupants’ changing needs over time.”
The project highlights a broader trend in architecture—creating homes that are not just static structures but evolving spaces that cater to a dynamic way of living.
The Architects Behind Six Columns
The visionaries behind Six Columns, 31/44 Architects, are known for their innovative approach to urban design. Under the leadership of Will Burges, the firm has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to turn challenges—such as tight plots and urban density—into opportunities for creativity.
Burges’ personal investment in the project allowed for a level of detail and authenticity rarely seen in residential architecture. His philosophy of designing adaptable homes aligns with broader efforts to address the UK’s housing challenges.
Selection Criteria for the RIBA House of the Year
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Winning the RIBA House of the Year requires meeting rigorous standards that focus on:
1. Innovation and Creativity
- Pioneering concepts in design, materials, and construction.
- Solutions that push the boundaries of traditional residential architecture.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
- Minimising the environmental footprint during construction and occupation.
3. Functionality and Adaptability
- Flexible designs that accommodate changing lifestyles.
- Practicality combined with aesthetic appeal.
4. Design Excellence
- Blending contemporary and classical elements to create timeless designs.
- Enhancing the relationship between the home and its surrounding environment.
Six Columns excelled across all these categories, particularly with its focus on adaptability and sustainability within a suburban context.
Spotlight on Notable Finalists
This year’s shortlist featured a range of impressive projects, each reflecting unique approaches to modern living:
| Finalist | Architect | Notable Achievements |
| Eavesdrop | Tom Dowdall Architects | RIBA South East Award 2024 |
| Farmworker’s House | Hugh Strange Architects | RIBA South West Small Project of the Year and National Award 2024 |
| Peckham House | Surman Weston | RIBA London Project Architect of the Year 2024 |
| Plas Hendy Stable Block | Studio Brassica Architects | RSAW Sustainability Award 2024 |
| The Hall | TaylorHare Architects | RIBA South East Award 2024 |
These projects showcase the diversity and ingenuity within UK residential architecture, from urban infill designs to reimagined historic structures.
The Role of RIBA in Shaping British Architecture
The RIBA awards play a pivotal role in influencing architectural trends and encouraging innovation in the UK. They serve as a platform to:
- Promote sustainable and adaptable housing solutions.
- Inspire architects to think creatively about space utilisation.
- Recognise projects that contribute to cultural and environmental progress.
By celebrating projects like Six Columns, RIBA demonstrates the potential of architecture to address pressing societal challenges, such as urbanisation and housing shortages.
The Future of British Architecture
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Looking ahead, the principles exemplified by Six Columns—flexibility, sustainability, and urban infill—are expected to shape the next generation of UK housing. Future trends may include:
- Increased Focus on Small-Scale Projects: Transforming compact spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing homes.
- Integration of Technology: Smart homes that offer energy efficiency and personalised experiences.
- Sustainability as a Standard: A continued emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of new builds.
Six Columns stands as a beacon of what’s possible when creativity meets practicality, offering a roadmap for architects and homeowners alike.
Previous Year Winners
1. RIBA House of the Year 2023: Green House by Hayhurst & Co
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The RIBA House of the Year 2023 was awarded to the innovative Green House designed by Hayhurst & Co. Situated on a narrow, urban plot tucked down an alleyway, this exceptional home reimagines the concept of a terraced house. The design seamlessly balances discretion and creativity, with its polycarbonate-clad exterior and a lush screen of dense planting that conceals the compact yet extraordinary interior.
Why Green House Stood Out?
- Urban Transformation: Green House transformed a confined plot into a livable, functional, and aesthetic space.
- Sustainability: The house embraces eco-conscious design principles, blending greenery with modern construction techniques.
- Architectural Ingenuity: The polycarbonate panels create a translucent, airy effect, enhancing natural light while maintaining privacy.
2023 RIBA Shortlist Highlights
Other remarkable finalists from the 2023 competition included:
| House | Architect | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Cowshed | David Kohn Architects | RIBA South West Award 2023 |
| Hundred Acre Wood | Denizen Works | RIBA RIAS Award and National Award 2023 |
| Made of Sand | Studio Weave | RIBA South West Small Project of the Year Award 2023 |
| Middle Avenue | Rural Office | RIBA South East Award and National Award 2023 |
| Saltmarsh House | Niall McLaughlin Architects | RIBA South Award and National Award 2023 |
2. RIBA House of the Year 2022: The Red House by David Kohn Architects
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In 2022, The Red House, a contemporary family home in rural Dorset designed by David Kohn Architects, captured the top honour. With its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement, the home brings an intentionally playful and provocative aesthetic to its idyllic surroundings.
Design Highlights
- Arts and Crafts Inspiration: Playful design elements like oversized eaves and patterned red brickwork evoke the charm of the Arts and Crafts style with a modern twist.
- Future-Proofing: Thoughtful features such as rounded corners, grab-rails, and a lift ensure accessibility for evolving family needs.
- Sustainability Features: The home incorporates thick walls for thermal efficiency, steel piles to reduce embodied carbon, and integrated biodiversity features like nesting sites for bats and birds.
2022 RIBA Shortlist Highlights
| House | Architect | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Mews House Retrofit | Prewett Bizley Architects | RIBA London Award 2022 |
| Seabreeze | RX Architects | RIBA South East Award 2022 |
| Suffolk Cottage | Haysom Ward Miller Architects | RIBA National Award 2022 |
| The Dutch Barn | Sandy Rendel Architects | RIBA South East Client of the Year 2022 |
| The Library House | Macdonald Wright Architects | RIBA London Award 2022 |
3. RIBA House of the Year 2021: House on the Hill by Alison Brooks Architects
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The 2021 winner, House on the Hill, is a bold contemporary extension to a Georgian farmhouse in Gloucestershire, designed by Alison Brooks Architects. This architectural marvel seamlessly merges an 18th-century farmhouse with a modern gallery-like space, creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new.
Design Highlights
- Duality of Styles: A dark-toned, modern wing complements the restored Georgian farmhouse, echoing the adjacent Forest of Dean.
- Integrated Gallery Spaces: The farmhouse was converted into a gallery, blending the homeowners’ art collection with everyday living.
- Sustainability: Features like a green roof, wildflower meadows, and energy-efficient systems minimise the home’s environmental impact.
2021 RIBA Shortlist Highlights
| House | Architect | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Corner House | 31/44 Architects | RIBA London Award 2021 |
| House in Assynt | Mary Arnold-Forster | RIAS Award 2021 |
| The Slot House | Sandy Rendel Architects | RIBA South East Small Project Award 2021 |
| Redhill Barn | TYPE Studio | RIBA South West Conservation Award 2021 |
| The Water Tower | Tonkin Liu | RIBA East Award 2021 |
4. RIBA House of the Year 2019: House Lessans by McGonigle McGrath
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The 2019 winner, House Lessans, exemplifies how outstanding architecture can be achieved on a modest budget. Designed by McGonigle McGrath, this family home in County Down harmonises with its rural surroundings while showcasing simplicity and restraint.
Design Highlights
- Budget-Friendly Excellence: The £335,000 project used basic materials and clever design to create a stunning home.
- Landscape Integration: The home’s two blocks mirror the barns and agricultural buildings in the area.
- Minimalist Beauty: Large windows and minimalistic interiors focus attention on the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
2019 RIBA Shortlist Highlights
| House | Architect | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Sartfell Retreat | Foster Lomas | RIBA North West Sustainability Award 2019 |
| The Black House | Dualchas Architects | RIAS Award 2019 |
| Nithurst Farm | Adam Richards Architects | RIBA South East Building of the Year 2019 |
| Pocket House | Tikari Works | RIBA London Award 2019 |
| Secular Retreat | Atelier Peter Zumthor | RIBA National Award 2019 |
Each year, the RIBA House of the Year award celebrates the pinnacle of residential architecture in the UK, pushing the boundaries of design, sustainability, and craftsmanship. From Green House’s urban transformation to House Lessans’ budget-conscious innovation, these winners inspire architects and homeowners alike.
Conclusion
The RIBA House of the Year 2024, Six Columns, represents a triumph of modern architecture. Designed by 31/44 Architects, it is a testament to what can be achieved with thoughtful planning, even on a constrained urban plot.
This project not only addresses the evolving needs of a family but also offers valuable insights into the future of residential design. As urban spaces become more limited, innovative solutions like Six Columns provide a sustainable and inspiring way forward.
FAQs RIBA House of the Year
What is the RIBA House of the Year award?
The award celebrates the best new house or house extension in the UK, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Who won the RIBA House of the Year 2024?
The award was won by Six Columns, a family home in Crystal Palace designed by 31/44 Architects.
Why is Six Columns a standout project?
Six Columns redefines suburban living with its flexible, adaptable design and creative use of space on a compact urban plot.
How does RIBA shape British architecture?
RIBA awards inspire innovation, encourage sustainable practices, and highlight groundbreaking designs in residential architecture.
What were the standout features of the 2024 shortlist?
Projects ranged from sustainable rural homes to urban infill developments, showcasing the versatility of UK architecture.
What trends are influencing modern UK architecture?
Adaptable designs, sustainability, and creative urban solutions are shaping the future of British residential projects.
Where can I learn more about RIBA winners?
Visit the official RIBA website to explore winning projects, upcoming competitions, and architectural exhibitions.
