A timber-framed co-housing development (Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing), a bold riverside home (Ferry House) and a museum celebrating the legacy of Emily Hobhouse (The Story of Emily) are among the 10 winners of the South West and Wessex 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 (8 May), at which The Story of Emily was named as winner of RIBA South West and Wessex Building of the Year Award 2025 (sponsored by EH Smith). The jury praised the “bold new architectural inventions” that offers “a stylish, uplifting experience with powerful interpretation spaces to tell its internationally important story”.
The RIBA South West and Wessex Awards 2025 winning projects are:
The Cowshed by Design Storey - Conservation Award (sponsored by Velux)
The conversion of a Grade II listed Gloucestershire barn into a compact, inventive home.
One Portwall Square by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
An innovative, energy-efficient office building that creates a new public space in Bristol.
The Orchards by Prewett Bizley Architects
A modern, timber-clad home based on Passivhaus principles combines New York loft living with elements of local Somerset design.
The Story of Emily by Stonewood Design (Building of the Year, sponsored by EH Smith)
A mix of restored buildings and striking new architecture forms a museum in Cornwall celebrating the legacy of Emily Hobhouse.
Ferry House by AR Design Studio
A bold riverside home pairs dramatic geometric finish with detailed, accessible interiors.
Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing by Barefood Architects (Client of the Year, sponsored by Equitone and Sustainability Award sponsored by Autodesk)
53 timber-framed affordable homes form a sustainable, co-housing development in Dorchester.
Shire End West by rak architecture (Small Project of the Year)
An enchanting, modest extension of a Grade II listed 19th century house.
A House of Wood Shingle
The transformation of a 1950s Bath bungalow into a stylish, shingle clad family home.
Studio Cottage (Project Architect of the Year - John Ashton)
A meticulous repair and adaption of a Grade II listed studio cottage in the Cotswolds blends contemporary features with local materials and settings.
Two-Family House
A family home in Cornwall is carefully detailed and designed to blend into the coastal environment.
The 10 projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA South West and Wessex Jury Chair and Head of Campus Planning and Design at the University of Bristol Rob Gregory, said:
“Almost without exception, each of the projects we visited were in some way impacted by the pandemic, and the intensity of that period was palpable. Whether we were visiting a new neighbourhood of houses on the outskirts of a regional town, a new office in a busy city centre, or a private home on a remote site – there was clear evidence of a deep understanding of both place and purpose. Perhaps that was because many of these projects were prolonged, allowing both client and architect time to reflect and iterate.
In all the projects we visited there was clear evidence that both client-related and site-related needs have been deeply understood, and as a result the architects, their clients, and our regional community more generally should be incredibly proud of all 13 of our shortlisted projects, not just those that have received awards.”
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 South West and Wessex 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 South West & Wessex
- 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.
