These are the six projects that will vie for RIBA's House of the Year honors in December

The shortlist for this year’s Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) House of the Year award has been released in advance of the December 3rd winner’s announcement.

Six projects from London and places as far away as Monmouthshire and Cornwall were selected from the broader pool of 2024 RIBA Award winners. Each is said to represent the best practice in approaching different design considerations irrespective of the setting and responsive to what the 2024 jury Chair Je Ahn said are the day’s most urgent domestic  issues—intergenerational households, aging-in-place, and the rehabilitation of historic structures.

Muyiwa Oki says: “These six homes show how we can deliver high-quality residential architecture with impact. Exemplars in sensitive restoration, climate-conscious design and ingenious urban placemaking – they each present a bold, creative solution to meet housing needs. Individually, they are truly remarkable, breathtaking pieces of architecture; together they offer scalable solutions to issues faced by our built environment – from reinventing existing buildings to working with complex and constrained sites. However, their true success lies in the health and wellbeing of those that live inside them: there can be no greater mark of achievement for an architect.”

Eavesdrop by Tom Dowdall Architects (Sussex)

Jury description: "Designed for retirement, the home is focused on wellbeing, calm and flexibility, with level thresholds for full accessibility, as well as light, tranquil spaces that open up to host friends and family. A generous central courtyard provides sunlight, fresh air, and year-round enjoyment of plants and wildlife. With its sweeping, rising roof, simple construction, and stone finishes, the house fits seamlessly into the landscape, while close up, the beauty of its stone detailing is revealed."

Peckham House by Surman Weston (London)

Jury description: "This small but generously-spaced family home is full of enthusiasm and playfulness, with a façade defined by a distinctive pattern of hit-and-miss brickwork that playfully interprets the local houses. It sits on the end of an unassuming urban terrace, which makes the most of a small site, including a roof terrace to provide some needed outside space."

Farmworker’s House by Hugh Strange Architects (Cornwall)

Jury description: "Nestled into a wooded field, this deceptively simple home adopts an introverted courtyard house typology, its L-shaped plan sheltering a south-facing garden. Thick masonry walls of monolithic clay blocks form the protective wings, simply finished with textured lime render. Beyond the walls, the surrounding agricultural land is left untouched, allowing livestock to graze right up to the boundary walls. Inside, smooth unpainted lime plaster mirrors the roughcast outside, while dark brick floors throughout recall Victorian stable pavers, and an exposed roof structure of locally-grown Douglas Fir hangs above."

The Hall by TaylorHare Architects (Kent)

Jury description: "Situated in the Kent Downs, this Grade II listed 16th century residence has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished into a sustainable home. Interiors have been both restored and modernised, with finely crafted detailing and considered new interventions that work in harmony so that the historical compliments the contemporary. The house is an exemplar of green living, while simultaneously restoring the surrounding listed outbuildings and adding a pool, pool house, tennis court, stable block, and a new lake. The end result is a demonstration of how to extend the life of a historic building, while creating elegant living spaces for the future."

Six Columns by 31/44 Architects (London)

Jury description: "Designed to meet a family’s changing needs, Six Columns is a flexible, future-facing home intended to evolve with its occupants. It makes efficient and sophisticated use of space, and materials, with sustainable and cost-reducing features. Brutalist references and creative flourishes – a stepping brickwork wall, rustications and pilasters, and a green marble panel – make for a distinct and refreshing aesthetic. Wherever possible, self-finished materials are employed; the ground floor has exposed painted brickwork, and readily-available spruce panels are used to create many of the fittings and joinery, which can be adjusted with ease over time."

Plas Hendy Stable Block by Studio Brassica Architects (Monmouthshire)

Jury description: "A Grade II listed Arts & Crafts stable block has been rescued and restored to create a novel and accessible family home. Simple materials, detailing, and variation are applied in spirited and thoughtful ways, balancing aesthetic, heritage, and ecological obligations, while upgrades to sustainability and references to the Arts & Craft movement – such as sawtooth brickwork and quarry tiles – create moments of playfulness while demonstrating the many benefits of repurposing existing buildings."