London’s Green House Takes Top Honor As RIBA’s House of the Year 2023

The acclaimed Green House, designed by architecture studio Hayhurst & Co. and nestled in a snug London alleyway, has claimed the title of RIBA's House of the Year for 2023. This architectural gem, adorned with polycarbonate panels, replaced an existing structure in Tottenham and stands as a testament to innovative design and sustainability. The residence lovingly dubbed the 'Tottenham Riad,' draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan riads, featuring a central courtyard that floods the interiors with natural light and vegetation.

Oasis Within the City - The Tottenham Riad

As the jury chair and director of Eton studio CSK Architects, Dido Milne, expressed, "Green House, affectionately known as the 'Tottenham Riad,' is a true oasis within the city." Milne praised its ability to be both airy and cozy, bold yet respectful of its urban context. The house seamlessly connects with its surroundings, inviting the eye to explore open skies above and lush greenery below, creating a unique living experience within an urban environment.

Green House Triumphs at RIBA

The RIBA House of the Year award, an annual recognition by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), celebrates the finest architect-designed one-off houses in the UK. Green House stood out not only for its architectural brilliance but also for the shared ambition of the clients and the studio to create a genuinely sustainable home. Milne emphasized that sustainability is woven into every aspect of the design, a remarkable achievement considering the constraints of a tight budget.

"Nowhere do you feel the site or budget was restricted," Milne noted. "It feels both luxurious, homely, deeply private and relaxing. It's an extraordinary ordinary house and a remarkable collaboration."

Designed with a growing family in mind, Green House encompasses five bedrooms arranged around a skylit atrium. The thoughtful layout ensures each room enjoys views of gardens and provides access to a roof terrace, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors. Noteworthy features include sliding polycarbonate screens on the exterior, offering the family flexibility in adjusting privacy levels and ventilation.

The material palette of Green House reflects a commitment to sustainability, featuring exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls, reclaimed concrete blocks, and recycled cork rubber flooring. The house incorporates eco-friendly technologies such as air-source heat pumps and solar panels for energy efficiency.

Green House triumphed over a strong field of contenders, emerging as the winner from a longlist of 20 houses, later narrowed down to a shortlist of six. Notable designs in the running included Cowshed by David Kohn Architects, Hundred Acre Wood by Denizen Works, Made of Sand by Studio Weave, Middle Avenue by Rural Office, and Saltmarsh House by Niall McLaughlin Architects.

The 2023 jury, comprised of industry experts, praised Green House for its creative and ambitious approach to design, especially considering the challenges of a tight budget. The residence in the Clyde Circus Conservation Area of Tottenham stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when design prowess meets a commitment to sustainability. Green House joins the esteemed ranks of past RIBA House of the Year winners, adding a new chapter to the legacy of exceptional architectural achievements.