The conversion of a former steam-engine powerhouse into a distillery and visitor centre, and a modest extension to a Victorian cottage in the Gower Peninsula are among the four winners of the RSAW Welsh Architecture Awards 2025.
Presented since 1966, the RIBA Awards set the standard for great architecture across the UK.
The Awards were announced at a ceremony this evening (22 May), at which Nyth, a new community arts venue, was named as winner of RSAW Welsh Architecture Awards 2025 Building of the Year (sponsored by EH Smith). The jury praised the architects “intrinsic attitude to inclusivity” and “refreshing approach to conservation”, describing the project as a “sophisticated and at times delightful architectural collage”.
The RSAW Welsh Architecture Awards 2025 winning projects are:
Nyth by Manalo & White (Building of the Year sponsored by EH Smith, Sustainability Award sponsored by Autodesk, Client of the Year sponsored by Equitone)
A new, inclusive community arts venue and Welsh-language theatre within a former church in Bangor.
Delfyd Farm by Rural Office (Small Project of the Year, Project Architect of the Year - Neil Haddrill)
A restrained, modest extension to a Victorian cottage maximises the surrounding landscape of the Gower Peninsula.
Hafod Morfa Copperworks Distillery & Visitor Centre by GWP Architecture & Archer Humphryes (Conservation Award sponsored by Velux)
The first phase of an ambitious local authority regeneration project has repaired and converted a former Victorian steam-engine powerhouse into a distillery and visitor centre.
Croes Fach by Hall + Bednarczyk Architects
A new-build house near Abergavenny has been carefully positioned to nestle into the hillside, to maximise surrounding views of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The four projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RSAW Jury Chair Ian Chalk, Director of Ian Chalk Architects, said:
“This year's winning projects span the length of Wales, varying in form, scale and typology. From highly crafted bespoke homes to sensitive conservation repair works and innovative approaches to adaptive reuse, each project demonstrates the quality and breadth of work undertaken across the country.
Sustainability is at the heart of every project, with a strong commitment to using local skills and materials ensuring projects are deeply rooted within their context. The result is spaces made by and for the communities that they serve.”
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.”
RSAW Welsh Architecture Awards 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 RSAW
- 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.
