The renovation of a 1930s Cambridge telephone exchange (The Entopia Building), a “joyful” seaside hub providing flexible community spaces (Sunspot), and a welcoming medical research facility (The Discovery Centre) are among the 14 winners of the RIBA East Awards 2025.
Presented since 1966, the RIBA Awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
The Awards were announced at a ceremony this evening (15 May), at which Young’s Court Development at Emmanuel College, Cambridge was named as winner of RIBA East Building of the Year Award 2025 (sponsored by EH Smith). The jury praised the project for sitting “comfortably and effortlessly on site”, noting how it “subtly elevates the experience of student life”. They described it as a “model for how to conserve and enhance a historic place for future generations”.
The RIBA East Awards 2025 winning projects are:
The Discovery Centre (DISC) by Herzog & de Meuron / BDP
A welcoming, “triangular” medical research facility for AstraZeneca blending thoughtful placemaking with scientific innovation.
Sunspot by HAT Projects (Client of the Year sponsored by Equitone)
A "joyful" seaside hub in Essex provides flexible units, cafe and a market hall, offering a blueprint for regeneration to local authorities.
Cast Corbel House by Grafted
A home extension in Norwich, rich with standout finishes and concrete detailing.
Knights Park by Pollard Thomas Edwards and Alison Brooks Architects
A large, visually striking brick-built estate delivers 249 net-zero homes and an eco-friendly public realm in Eddington.
Harpenden House by Emil Eve Architects
Previously a nursery, this Victorian villa in Harpenden blends its original character with bold, modern additions.
Housestead by Sanei Hopkins Architects
A fun and eclectic coastal home near Aldeburgh showcases deeply inventive design flourishes.
Jankes Barn by Lynch Architects (Conservation Award sponsored by Velux)
An exemplary conservation of a barn in Essex into a modern, enduring rural home.
North Sea East Wood by Hayhurst & Co. (Small Project of the Year)
The reimagining of a 1980’s Norfolk bungalow through creative reuse and subtle design ingenuity.
Dovehouse Court Almshouses by Mole Architects Ltd
A spacious, welcoming almshouse development for residents over 55 built to Passivhaus standards.
Mill Hide by POULSON ARCHITECTURE
A sustainable, modern villa, elegantly designed to accommodate for future accessibility needs.
Clayworth by ArkleBoyce Architects Ltd
A cleverly designed, modern home that fuses quality and accessibility to provide transformational results.
Young’s Court Development at Emmanuel College, Cambridge by Stanton Williams (Building of the Year sponsored by EH Smith)
This infill scheme for Emmanuel College elevates the experience of student life, transforming the area into a vibrant hub of activity.
Amento by James Gorst Architects
A sculptural, Scandinavian style bungalow provides a futureproof single-story dwelling for its users.
The Entopia Building by Architype, Feilden and Mawson and Eve Waldron Design (Project Architect of the Year, Sustainability Award sponsored by Autodesk)
The clever reuse of a disused 1930s Cambridge telephone exchange into a sustainable university and research building.
The 14 projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
Matt Blakeley, Regional Director for RIBA Central said of the RIBA East shortlist:
“Congratulations to all the Award winners in the East region. This year, the breadth of schemes recognised is a remarkable statement to the ambition and vision of the region. These projects exemplify not only admirable excellence in design and beauty, but a bold commitment to architecture's vital role in our environmental goals and social impact.”
Speaking on all the UK Award winners, RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:
“This year’s winners exemplify architecture’s power to transform—turning spaces into places of connection, creativity, and care. Spanning the length of the UK and diverse in form and function, our 2025 winners show a deep sensitivity to place and a strong coherence of thought between all teams involved. Individually these projects inspire and uplift, but collectively, they remind us that architects do far more than design buildings, they shape the way we live, work and connect.”
RIBA East Award winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on 10 July. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later in the year.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further press information please contact Max.Heptonstall@riba.org
- High resolution images and jury citations: RIBA East
- RIBA Special Awards are sponsored by EH Smith (Building of the Year), Autodesk (Sustainability Award), Equitone (Client of the Year) and Velux (Conservation).
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and are judged and presented locally. No matter the shape, size, budget or location, RIBA Award winning schemes set the standard for great architecture all across the country. RIBA Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows.
- Entries are submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated. Projects are judged first for RIBA Regional Awards, then RIBA National Awards; the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA National Awards.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
