Six buildings in Hampshire up for prestigious architecture award

A total of 12 projects have been shortlisted for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) South Awards 2024. 

These include the reinvention of a 17th-century farmhouse, a wellbeing centre for cancer patients and a temple set within the South Downs National Park. 

The projects that have been shortlisted are:  

·         Bear’s Reach, Bicester, Oxfordshire, by Taw Fitzwilliam Architects 

·         Black House Farm, South Downs National Park near Kilmeston, by Robin Lee Architects 

Black House Farm (Image: RIBA)

·         Cheng Yu Tung Building, Jesus College, Oxford, Oxfordshire, by MICA Architects 

·         Chestnut Plantation, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, by John Pardey Architects  

Chestnut Plantation (Image: RIBA)

·         Harwell Hide, Oxford, Oxfordshire, by Bell Phillips 

·         Maggie’s Southampton, Hampshire, by Al_A 

Maggie's Southampton (Image: RIBA)

·         New Temple Complex, Rake, Hampshire, by James Gorst Architects 

New Temple Complex (Image: RIBA)

·         Ravelin Sports Centre, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, by FaulknerBrowns Architects  

Ravelin Sports Centre (Image: RIBA)

·         School Green Centre, Reading, Berkshire, by AOC Architecture 

·         Wadham College, Oxford, Oxfordshire, by AL_A 

·         Warren View House, Winchester, by Niall McAleenan Architects and Studio September  

Warren View House (Image: RIBA)

·         Woodstock Apartments, Oxford, Oxfordshire, by Adrian James Architects 

RIBA South Jury Chair Jennifer Dyne, Associate of David Kohn Architects, said:   “From colleges to cottages, the South proves to be ambitious at any scale. The shortlisted projects challenge conventions around re-use, materials, context, conservation and typologies, opening up conversations about setting, sustainability, and the stories behind each building.  

“These dialogues will no doubt continue as we visit the shortlist – travelling the region visiting houses, halls, and even hides – it should make for a didactic few days.” 

RIBA South jury chair Chris Williamson, of Weston Williamson + Partners, said:  “This year’s projects illustrate the positive potential for architecture to support wellbeing, contemplation and spiritual practice. 

“There was a fantastic variety of entries; covering large-scale refurbished private houses, but also social housing, mixed-use, cultural and sports spaces. There’s even a folly in the countryside.  

“From the incorporation of the surrounding garden and New Forest in a cancer care centre to the harmonious reorganisation of the New Temple Complex interior and fabric-first approach, the shortlisted buildings champion localism and demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of well-designed buildings. 

READ MORE: Rooftop terrace plans for Winchester city centre building

“Deciding the shortlist was a difficult task as there were a large number of entries emphasising a high standard of architecture across the region. I think I can speak for the jury in saying how excited and privileged we are to undertake these visits.” 

All projects shortlisted for RIBA Regional Awards will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring.  

The winners will then be considered for several RIBA Special Awards, including the RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Building of the Year, before being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be announced in summer.  

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s best new building – will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects, and announced in September. The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.