Country house project wins RIBA Yorkshire Award

The contemporary country house, for which Rural Solutions provided detailed design, planning and landscape services, was the only rural project and the only private house among the five winning projects in the Yorkshire region.

All winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, to be announced on the 9th of July. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later this year.

Image © Mike Whorley

A sensitive rural setting

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, who work with clients across the UK and have an office in North Yorkshire, 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 was the main contractor. 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

Design reflects the contours of the land

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

Sustainable credentials

As well as its unique 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.

A collaborative approach

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

“Winning this award is a fantastic outcome for this project and recognises the dedication of the whole delivery team. The scheme demonstrates how contemporary design can sit comfortably within a sensitive rural setting and with sustainability embedded into every detail. It has been a truly collaborative experience, for a client who every day finds another aspect of the house and landscape to delight them.”

Charlotte Harrison, Yorkshire Jury Chair, RICS added:

“This house is a unique example of contemporary rural living – a home rooted in its place yet boldly of its time. The result is a home that is both intimately scaled and quietly confident, balancing craft, environmental performance and a distinctive regional character."

Image © Tom Luddington

Find out more

Explore the full story behind this outstanding project here or get in touch with the team by emailing info@ruralsolutions.co.uk.