A HOUSE near Alresford has been crowned a national winner in an architectural competition.

Hampshire House, in the Itchen Valley, was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South Award 2019 and the National Award 2019.

The house was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects, and appears as a single-storey flint building echoing the walls common in the area.

A RIBA spokesperson said: “This home is a strong reflection of the immediate landscape and a distinguished architectural achievement. The warm, natural palette of materials, crisp detailing and considered form and arrangement, not only maximise the stunning views of the surrounding scenery, but also pay homage to family life and growth.

“The house is arranged in a series of staggered pavilions, that read as generational steps in a person’s journey through life. The pavilions, designed to accompany various members of the family, from childhood to later life, are arranged with the central ‘parent’s pavilion’ containing a double-height, courtyard kitchen.”

They added: “The family connection and respectful relationship between client and architect also drew the judges’ attention.

“It was very clear that through detailed dialogue the house has become the home the client envisaged.

“Possibly, it has even gone beyond their expectations, as it certainly had for the judges. The home radiates tranquillity and humbly mirrors the growth of the family, in a way that should be celebrated and commended.”

The property is made of coursed flint, Purbeck stone, architectural cast stone and untreated oak timber framed windows.

These windows are designed to weather to a silver-grey to complement the tone of the flint and stone.

The spokesperson from Niall McLaughlin Architects said: “We are delighted that our Hampshire House project has received a RIBA South and RIBA National Award.

“The project is a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who built it and the support of our client, without whom this highly ambitious, modern home could not have been realised.”