RIBA Announces 2013 Manser Medal Shortlist

Rockmount / Shed KM. Image © Chris Brink

Written by James Taylor-Foster
Published on September 05, 2013

The shortlist for the 2013 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Manser Medal, awarded to the best new house or major extension in the UK, has been revealed. Amongst the five competing projects, which have all won either National or Regional RIBA Awards, is Astley Castle, which has also been shortlisted for the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize.

The 2013 Manser Medal shortlist includes:

Astley Castle / Witherford Watson Mann Architects

Described by Joseph Rykwert as a "quiet intervention" and a "sensitive re-occupation," this previously ruined historic castle in Warwickshire has been gently restored and renovated in a way that retains "a feeling of incompleteness" whilst simultaneously "binding it together" (William Mann).

Crowbrook / Knox Bhavan Architects

Built on the site of a 1970s bungalow in Hertfordshire, Crowbrook has been designed as a family home which accommodates the specific needs the occupants - namely, accessibility. The building is described by Sasha Bhavan as "a striking, modern, energy efficient and empathetic reinterpretation of the local vernacular."

Downley House / Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects

Built in the South Downs National Park (Hampshire), Downley is a "playful" reinvention of the English country house. A ruin is enclosed by distinctive curved forms and cylindrical towers which harbour "spaces of natural textures, contrasts and indigenous materials" (Andrew Birds).

Rockmount / ShedKM

Located in a conservation area on the Wirral, Rockmount is "a pair of exposed in situ concrete flat slabs, supported on concrete columns" with views out across "the rugged land and seascape" (Greg Blee). Designed as a large family home with a strong connection to the outdoors, the building sits on the brow of a hill surrounded by "outcrops of red sandstone."

Slip House / Carl Turner Architects

Sitting in a row of terraced houses in Brixton, Slip House is defined by three piled cantilevered boxes. Planned around maximising light and minimising any intrusion on and from neighbours, it has been designed with "flexibility for future adaptation" in mind (Carl Turner).

The winner will be announced at the 2013 Stirling Prize party on November 26, 2013 at Central Saint Martins in London's King's Cross.

Manser Medal 2013 Jury: