Country house project shortlisted for regional RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2026

Image © Tom Luddington

The contemporary country house – for which Rural Solutions provided detailed design, is one of seven shortlisted projects in the Yorkshire region. Winners of the award will be announced in May 2026.

Image © Mike Worley

The outstanding country home, situated in a sensitive rural setting, was delivered through the ‘exceptional country house’ clause (Paragraph 84e) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Homes delivered via this planning route are required to meet exceptional architectural and environmental standards and this project represents the very best in contemporary rural design.

Rural Solutions secured planning consent for the house and acted as the delivery and technical design architect, working as project manager and contract administrator alongside several other regionally based organisations.

The concept architect was Sadler Brown Architects-Group. Dobson Construction were the main contractors. Paul Waite Associates, Silcock Leedham, Quantum Arbiter, Kit Peel Landscapes, Abigail Yeates Architects, David Houldershaw Arboriculturist, Vanessa Rhodes Interiors, and Brilliant Lighting were all part of the wider team.

Image © Tom Luddington

Situated in a protected landscape and drawing inspiration from natural forms, the design of the house reflects the contours of the land and the organic shapes of leaves and water. The garden, originally created in Victorian times, has been carefully restored as part of the client’s commitment to rejuvenating its historic setting.

Dry stone walls blend the structure into its sloping site, while copper-clad flutes rise above to create a striking architectural statement. A dramatic 13-metre cantilevered balcony demanded an innovative structural solution, balancing steel, timber, and concrete elements to achieve its bold form.

Image © Tom Luddington

As well as its striking aesthetics, the house is notable for its sustainability credentials and net zero operating performance. Features include a living roof, water source heat pump, hydro-electric power from the valley stream, and use of recycled materials such as decommissioned North Sea oil rig pipes, timber from the woodland on site and green concrete.

Speaking about the RIBA nomination, Malcolm Birks, Head of Design at Rural Solutions, said:

“We are delighted that this unique project has been shortlisted for a RIBA Yorkshire Award. The scheme demonstrates how contemporary design can sit comfortably within a sensitive rural setting and sustainability embedded into every detail.”

Image © Tom Luddington

All projects shortlisted will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring. Commenting on the shortlist, RIBA Yorkshire Jury Chair, Charlotte Harrison, Partner at Mass Architecture, said:

"This year's shortlist of seven projects embodied a high level of architectural quality across a broad spectrum of criteria. From a large-scale city centre office development and a centre for the advancement of heritage skills to the reuse of a Grade I listed Hall and a secluded residence within a regenerated landscape setting, I'm excited to visit the projects across Yorkshire alongside the jury."

Explore the full story behind this outstanding project, here.