House of the Year RIBA winner 2021 has been announced

The highly anticipated winner of the 2021 RIBA House of the year is House on the Hill, also known as Windward House, Designed by Alison Brooks Architects.

A glorious three-storey Georgian farmhouse situated in Gloucestershire with a striking contemporary extension has been crowned the best architect-designed house in the UK by RIBA.

A labour of love and built collaboratively by architect (Alison Brooks Architects) and client, working together. The original 18th Century property, which overlooks the Wye Valley in an area of outstanding Natural Beauty, has been skilfully restored and converted into one intimate gallery space. Providing a unique new home for the owners and their art collection. The original staircase, linking a series of small rooms and a suspended landing in the ridge.

“This geometric design skilfully fuses together the old with the new – connecting two architectures separated by over 300 years,”

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president Simon Allford.

Beside it, and embedded into the hillside, is a contemporary extension. Inspired by the nearby Forest of Dean, the dark tones and cladding pattern contrasts against the soft chalky stonework of the original home. Each wall and skylight is intentionally angled and skewed, as are the cruciform-steel columns that create an undulating silhouette that blends into the landscape. Drawing the eye upwards to new and exciting focal points. A green roof with native wildflowers and the surrounding pollen-rich meadows have been rejuvenated with an abundance of flowers and planted with young orchards, encouraging pollinator numbers in the area.

^{Imagery by Paul Riddle}

On the ground floor are the main living areas that open out to an exterior terrace. Placed centrally in the home is the kitchen, the heart of the home. Overlooked by a gallery above the space and flooded by natural light that flows in through every large, glazed pane. Offering panoramic views of the rolling hills beyond and stone walled garden.

^{Imagery by Paul Riddle}

The homeowners’ love of art extends to the main staircase, a gallery space in its own right. Which leads up to two bedrooms, an office and another terrace.

^{Imagery by Paul Riddle}

“Intriguing and distinguished, House on the Hill is the impressive result of a ten-year collaboration between the homeowners and their architect. This is an extraordinary labour of love in architectural form.

Every detail has been meticulously considered and exquisitely finished, resulting in a truly remarkable home that enhances its unique setting.”

Simon Allford

Contractor E G Carter & Co

Structural Engineers Akera Engineers

Environmental / M&E Engineers Peter Deer & Associates

Environmental Bearwood Associates

Garden Designer Stoney & Janson

Quantity Surveyor Measure Construction Consultants

Landscape & Pool House Contractor Barker & Barker

Tree Surgery Mark Harris, Trunkarb Tree Surgery

Environmental Co-ordinator Helena Ronicle