Six small UK projects shortlisted for 2021 RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize

RIBA's annual Stephen Lawrence Prize recognizes the life and memory of a slain teenager who aspired to become an architect before his death in 1993. The award celebrates emerging talent in the field who utilized budgets under £1 million ($1.4 million) to complete UK-based projects. 

The winners of this year's award will be announced during the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony in London on October 14th at Coventry Cathedral. 

Past chair Marco Goldschmied said in a press statement that he will be handing aside his chair honors for the first time in the Prize's 22-year history. Past winner Mary Duggan will stand in for Goldschmied instead.

Have a look at the 2021 shortlist projects below.

The Water Tower by Tonkin Liu, Norfolk — A historic steel water tower, restored and converted into a sustainable family home.

Excerpt from jury report: "The Water Tower is an extraordinary family second home in Norfolk, where a derelict structure has been brought back into viable use. It is situated above and to the north of the local village, down a lane, surrounded by fields. Its prominent position led to concerns from local residents about overlooking and light pollution, and the impact of inhabiting a structure that once provided functional utility to the village but lay dormant as a decaying local landmark."

Wooden Roof by Tsuruta Architects, London — A unique timber conservatory constructed using traditional Japanese joinery techniques.

Excerpt from jury report: "The simplicity of adding a conservatory to a house provides architects with an incredible range of expressive opportunities. Wooden Roof takes this opportunity to a new level of sophistication and elegance. Clear constraints imposed by its grade II listing — limits on the overall height and the need to remain subservient to the main building — has prompted a bespoke contemporary solution that utilizes digital manufacturing techniques. The result is a uniquely crafted timber structure that draws on valuable lessons from traditional Japanese joinery."

Floating Church by DENIZEN WORKS, London — A bespoke Art Deco-style narrowboat with kinetic pop-up roof to maximize space and function.

Excerpt from jury report: "A barge rather than a building, this mobile community facility occupies and makes use of the city’s underused canal infrastructure. The concertina roof structure is kinetic, allowing it to lie flat so that the barge can pass under bridges when moving between destinations."

Chapel by Craftworks, London — A contemporary family home carved from a derelict chapel, with bold features including a pulpit-like mezzanine and towering fireplace.

Excerpt from jury report: "This project converted a derelict chapel into a two-story family home with a pulpit-like mezzanine under the roof. Unusually, the chapel is in the middle of a domestic garden. As it is also in a Conservation Area, the planners demanded that the existing ruin was rebuilt, leaving the architect scope to transform the interior. The architect reused bricks from the original building and left the pre-existing window openings unaltered."

Maggie's Cardiff by Dow Jones Architects, Cardiff — A clever, compact building that follows Passivhaus principles and carefully configures spaces to provide warmth and comfort to its visitors.

Excerpt from jury report: "Maggie’s Cardiff is the 19th completed Maggie’s Centre and adds to the pantheon of architects that have made these buildings a vital part of the contemporary British architectural scene."

Walmer Castle and Gardens Learning Centre by Adam Richards Architects, Kent — English Heritage buildings transformed into an engaging Learning Centre and café.

Excerpt from jury report: "This understated, well-detailed building fits a huge amount into a small space. Brickwork and the shape of windows reflect the neighboring historic buildings, and an old greenhouse is reused as part of this development. Good consideration is given to the use of the spaces; they are comfortable and practical issues like storage are well considered."