Social housing, Elizabeth Line and an old dairy farm in race to be Britain’s best new building

The revival of a brutalist landmark in Sheffield is going head-to-head with the Elizabeth Line and a social housing project in London to scoop the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)’s prestigious Stirling Prize.

The former social housing scheme built by Sheffield City Council in the 1950s is being transformed to create 195 flats and 2,000 square metres of commercial space. It is being led by Urban Splash and Mikhail Riches, the architect behind the first social housing project to win the award back in 2019 with Norwich’s Goldsmith Street. 

Another social housing project in Hackney, in East London, is shortlisted for the award. Chowdhury Walk, in Hackney, is led by Al-Jaward Pike and comprises 11 homes – seven of which are available for social rent. The site was previously used for parking and garages and the project has been described by RIBA as an “exemplary blueprint for social housing“.

The Elizabeth Line has already been named RIBA’s London Building of the Year and is now up for the Stirling Prize after opening in 2022. It has been hailed by judges as a “transport tour de force”.

RIBA president Muyiwa Oki, said: “These projects demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today. From major national infrastructure to brave and brilliant council-led housing, these varied schemes are united in making sensitive contributions to elevating everyday life.

“Whether raising the bar for social housing, upgrading city transportation or repurposing dilapidated buildings to create heritage-conscious urban and rural developments, each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment.”

Other projects on the 2024 shortlist include the renovation of the National Portrait Gallery.

The Grade I* listed cultural institution has been reinvigorated with new bronze doors featuring hand-drawn portraits by Tracey Emin alongside a light-filled learning centre and accessible public spaces carved from former offices.

The King’s Cross Masterplan by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell also impressed judges for reintegrating and regenerating former industrial wasteland in the heart of London into new streets, squares, offices, schools, university facilities and accommodation.

The project – described as 20 years in the making – earned plaudits for reopening the Regent’s Canal to the public and creating an ‘urban beach’.

Meanwhile, Wraxall Yard is one of just two shortlisted entries outside London.

The dilapidated dairy farm in Dorset that has been transformed into highly accessible holiday accommodation.

The development, motivated by frustration at the standard of available wheelchair accessible accommodation across the UK, offers extensive yet discreet accessible features, providing disabled guests  with a high degree of independence.

It includes landscaping to remove the need for ramps and obvious handrails and widened access, polished concrete floors and exposed door frames to assist wheelchair users.

Oki added: “At a time when the need to preserve our planet’s resources is greater than ever, these projects are to be commended for placing regeneration and restoration front and centre, transforming well and lesser-known landmarks to create highly sustainable places for future generations. 

This is purposeful yet unassuming architecture – architecture that brings joy to people’s lives and strengthens the fabric of our society.”

The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on 16 October, sponsored by Autodesk.

Amy Bunszel, EVP of architecture, engineering, and construction solutions at Autodesk, said: “The architecture industry has an important role in solving the big challenges we face; to house and support growing populations with a built environment that is more resilient and sustainable. The shortlist winners are inspiring examples of how architects can design and make a more inclusive future for our homes, workplaces, and communities.”

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