TWO Grand Design style homes in Reading have made the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) shortlist for their intricate architectural design and individuality.
The RIBA regional awards see entrants from across the country enter, with hopes of being recognised as making ‘significant contributions' to architecture.
The winning projects in Berkshire were part of 13 projects selected by an expert jury in the south. The jury visited all 19 shortlisted projects before reaching their decision.
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Wendy Perring, Regional Jury Chair, said of this year’s winners: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the RIBA South jury were delighted by the quality and range of buildings submitted for the 2021 RIBA South Awards programme. Forty projects were entered and 19 buildings were shortlisted; this is an extremely impressive achievement for the South Region and resulted in stiff competition.
“From major civic buildings with complex demands, to exquisite residential extensions and modest interventions, all shortlisted projects achieved a high bar and are to be applauded. It was marvellous to see an emphasis placed on landscaping, placemaking, craftsmanship and attention to detail being celebrated with sensitive integration within context.”
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The RIBA South Award-winning projects are:
KH House, Reading
The RIBA awards webpage states the KH House 'achieves an almost spiritual quality that feels timeless yet contemporary.'
The property has a traditionaly constructed flint spine wall, linking passageway between old and new.
Upon entering, the eye immediately goes up to the roof whose curved oak beams are a triumph which are locally crafted using French oak .
The inspiration is taken from the adjacent 15th century barn interior. Externally, the roof is lined in copper and the architects have painstakingly considered every detail. The narrowing of the roof at the gable ends which house sculptural copper water chutes (emptying into the pond) is a beautiful touch that many would not have had the skill, ingenuity, or dedication to achieve.
Narula House, Wargrave
RIBA judging panel said: "Narula sits on a stunning plot on a bend in the River Thames. Accessed from a long private road, the plot sits in flood zone 3b and floods periodically up to 1.2m. As a reminder of this, a dinghy is on show in the undercroft of the house. The external steel staircase appears both elegant and durable; somewhat akin to embarking a ship.
"The crafted front door opens into the long corridor space which creates dramatic tension. The house is an elevated box, eroded between the living and sleeping wings to create a partly covered courtyard space. This is a welcome move, given that physical connection to the garden below is difficult and allows the client to be in the landscape and enjoy the stunning setting."
What happens next?
The RIBA South Award winners will be considered for a highly-coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on Thursday 9 September.
The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will also be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later in the year.
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