Grand Designs has unveiled the six contenders for the House of the Year 2025 award, showcasing some of the UK's most architecturally innovative new homes. The award, presented by Kevin McCloud on Channel 4, is produced in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), with the winner to be announced next month. The first episode airs on Wednesday, November 19.
This year's shortlist demonstrates a remarkable diversity of style and design philosophy. Among the entries is Caochan na Creige, a minimalist coastal home on the Outer Hebrides built from locally sourced stone, designed to withstand harsh storms. Another contender, Hastings House, is a refurbished 19th-century home in Hastings that uses advanced concrete repair techniques to preserve its character while creating light-filled spaces.
A Cornish cliffside home features two independent living units sharing communal amenities, with 400 timber panels craned into position. A single-storey T-shaped dwelling prioritises accessibility with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and integrated functional zones. Bury Gate Farm, replacing a 1950s bungalow in the South Downs National Park, includes five bedrooms, a lift, and an annexe for multi-generational living.
The projects highlight sensitivity to environmental and social contexts, from sustainable materials to inclusive design. The winner will be revealed in December.
