In a fierce battle of architectural brilliance, six exceptional UK homes have been whittled down to a coveted shortlist on Channel 4's Grand Designs: House of the Year. Presenter Kevin McCloud, alongside judges Damion Burrows and Natasha Huq, toured the properties, with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) panel advancing just two based on design, craftsmanship, and material use.
The Apex Predators of British Housing
McCloud set the scene, describing the contenders as the 'apex predators' of British housing: 'sharp, instinctive, and fully evolved.' The episode, which aired on Wednesday at 8pm, showcased a remarkable diversity of style and vision, from rustic barn conversions to bold urban statements.
Homes That Made the Longlist
Mill Hide, Cambridge: This architect's own home presents a stark 'house of contrasts'. Its exterior is a continuous skin of rusty, industrial steel, inspired by sculptor Richard Serra. Inside, however, sleek Italian limestone and a giant opening roof light create a serene, cloud-like atmosphere centred around a courtyard winter garden.
Cast Corbel House, Norfolk: Architects Yeba and Nicole transformed a leaky 1990s extension on a Victorian house into a masterclass in modern craftsmanship. Dubbed a 'love letter to local materials', the new brick extension features intricate ribbed detailing inspired by local chimneys. The couple personally stained, oiled, and transported the timber joinery from London, clocking up 15,000 miles in the process.
Lower Ham, Southwest London: Defiantly standing out from its traditional neighbours, this Fletcher Crane Architects creation features a bold single-storey extension and a striking glass tower. Built for entertaining, it includes an open-plan kitchen, a snug, and bedrooms opening onto a central courtyard. The owner noted its popularity, quipping that admirers' comments could have paid for the house.
Croes Fach, Wales: Nestled into a slope with breathtaking countryside views, this Hall + Bednarczyk Architects home combines a local stone, barn-like exterior with a dramatic, gallery-like interior. The design reveals itself theatrically, culminating in a showstopping kitchen and living area at the top of the house.
The Two Shortlisted Contenders
Jankes Barn, Essex: This elegant reimagining by Lynch Architects successfully retained the agricultural character of a 250-year-old barn previously used for storage. Owner Jo insisted on preserving the original huge volume and structure. The conversion sensitively incorporates a living space, kitchen, dining area, and a study perched on a pulpit-like structure, with two separate bedrooms off the main space.
Amento, Suffolk: The most unconventional exterior of the bunch, this James Gorst Architects project stitches four timber pavilions together with thick brick walls. The single-level home is arranged into four quadrants for living, sleeping, and utility. The architect treated the existing brick walls as a 'previous civilisation', building a contemporary life within them. Judges praised the confidence and sharp brickwork that secured its shortlist spot.
The journey to find the ultimate House of the Year continues, with these two shortlisted homes moving one step closer to the prestigious title.
