Grand Designs: House of the Year

Each year the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) evaluates significant new single-family residential builds across the UK. They come up with a short-list that’s whittled down to a handful of finalists before naming their House of the Year. For UK architects, it’s the Academy Awards of architecture.

Center City In-Fill House on Site of old Taxi Yard

I’ve written about British homebuilding show Grand Designs before. This year, in concert with RIBA, they’ve filmed four special episodes that tour each of the semi-finalists before naming the House of the Year. The photos above and below are homes I find interesting. They’re in-fill houses tucked into unused and difficult lots in the center of London. Other finalists include sprawling country homes, cliff-side hangers and the like. But as always, I gravitate towards urban architecture.

City In-fill House on Site of old Contractor’s Yard

If you want to see the best in modern architecture in the UK, have a look, courtesy of YouTube.

Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2XKIpY7vw
Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44VJ_QJbhVA
Episode 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYqRznc-z-c
Episode 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIOh8oDcmyk

Remember: Do you have an HOA story to tell? A little high-rise history? Realtors, want to feature a listing in need of renovation or one that’s complete with flying colors? How about hosting a Candy’s Dirt Staff Meeting? Shoot Jon an email. Marriage proposals accepted (they’re legal)! [email protected]