Every year since 2001, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), in association with Velux and The Best of British Home, awards The Manser Medal for the designers of the best one-off house in Britain. Four houses were shortlisted this year. They all reflect the intention of the designers for environmentally-friendly architecture.
The winner of the 2005 Manser Medal is Stealth House in London designed by Robert Dye Associates. This five-bedroom house is built for the family of comedienne Jenny Éclair. The jury highlighted some features that make this house outstanding. The house represents the architects’ ability to make potential use and take advantage of the limited site. It also demonstrates careful attention to details and clever use of materials, in combining the elements from the old, pre-existing building with new elements. Stealth House is a good quality architecture produced without high cost.
Other houses that are shortlisted this year also show excellence in design and outstanding efforts to create ‘green’ and sustainable architecture for family living. The shortlisted homes include:
- A private house in Oak Farm, Liverpool designed by Shed KM – a modern home converted from a 17th century farmhouse.
- A private house in Hove designed by BBM Sustainable Design and Milk Design – an eco-friendly house yet also delivering the image of intelligent and beautiful green architecture.
- Cobtun House in Worcester designed by Associated Architects – a house made of cob (hence the name) which integrates well with its surrounding landscape and demonstrates sensitive sustainable use of materials and technology.
These excellent house projects have shown that eco-friendly houses are not necessarily associated with uncomfortable, primitive ways of living. It is certainly possible to have environmentally-friendly architecture for family living yet at the same time maintaining the image of a luxurious and beautiful home.
Further information about Stealth House and other shortlisted houses for RIBA Manser Medal 2005 can be found in:
Channel 4 – Manser Medal shortlists
RIBA Manser Medal Press Release