A spectacular 18th century farmhouse in Gloucestershire is among the 54 winners of the 2021 RIBA National Awards for Architecture — and it's not hard to see why.
In a four-phase programme over 10 years, Windward House effortlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with modern style. Designed by Alison Brooks Architects, the award-winning extension is larger than the original house and includes skewed geometries, a sense of openness, cruciform steel columns and impressive high ceilings. It really is a sight to behold.
Restoration and sensitive adaptation feature prominently in the awards this year, with many buildings acknowledging their history. Not only does Windward House serve the future well, but it also has an artefact gallery filled with Indian and African sculptures collected over the years.
Some other standout features include the beautifully resolved staircase structure, spacious kitchen, comfortable bedroom upstairs and the deep brown fibre cement cladding which reflects the nearby Forest of Dean.
Speaking about the property, the judges say: "Windward House is a labour of love by client and architect working together with what appears to have been a complete unity of purpose. An art collection might sometimes be a sobering influence on the liveability of a home, but here the overall mood is never didactic or pompous. The overall mood is calm and entirely assured."
Other RIBA 2021 winners include an impressive floating church by Denizen Works, Grimshaw's Bath Schools of Art and Design, the Cambridge Mosque by Marks Barfield Architects, and the School of Science and Sport by OMA at Brighton College.
"Ranging from radical, cutting-edge new designs to clever, creative restorations that breathe new life into historic buildings, these projects illustrate the enduring importance and impact of British architecture," Simon Alford, RIBA president, told Dezeen.
The 54 national winners also form the longlist for the UK's most prestigious architecture award — the Sterling Prize. Winners will be announced on Thursday 14th October.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
