This years eclectic finalists range from new homes in both 'deeply rural and densely urban areas' to a pair of 'sensitively upgraded listed buildings'. The prize is awarded to the best new house or house extension designed by an architect in the UK. The shortlist includes two houses already vying for the Manser Medal AJ House of the Year Award, namely 31/44s Six Columns house in south London and Surman Westons first self-build project, an energy efficient home that reinvents the terraced house in Peckham.They are joined by 'brand-new beautifully-crafted' countryside homes - Farmworkers House, Cornwall by Hugh Strange Architects and Eavesdrop, Sussex, byAdvertisementThe list is completed by the revamp of a 16th century house in the Kent Downs by TaylorHare Architects and the rescue of a Stable Block, Monmouthshire, by emerging Camberwell-based practice Studio Brassica Architects.RIBA president Muyiwa Oki described the shortlist as 'high-quality residential architecture with impact'. He said: 'Exemplars in sensitive restoration, climate-conscious design and ingenious urban placemaking they each present a bold, creative solution to meet housing needs.'Individually, they are truly remarkable, breathtaking pieces of architecture; together they offer scalable solutions to issues faced by our built environment from reinventing existing buildings to working with complex and constrained sites. However, their true success lies in the health and wellbeing of those that live inside them: there can be no greater mark of achievement for an architect.'Je Ahn, this year's award chair, said the jury had been impressed 'by the ambition of both the architects and clients', adding: 'A house can be many things this years shortlist shows the breadth of possibilities. From rural contexts to tight urban sites, including fine craftsmanship and intergenerational living amongst other driving forces all these houses are essentially about the people who live inside.The finalists offer scalable solutions to the urgent issues of today'Together the shortlisted exemplars offer scalable solutions to the urgent issues of today displaying care towards sustainability and social changes, including the revival of historic buildings which don't negatively impact the natural environment.'AdvertisementLast year the prize was collected by a home in Tottenham, north London by Hayhurst & Co described as a riad-inspired urban oasis (pictured below).Hayhurst & Cos low-cost, five-bedroom Green House beat projects by Denizen Works, Studio Weave, Rural Office and Nall McLaughlin Architects.The RIBA House of the Year award was set up in 2013. Previous winners include McGonigle McGrath for House Lessans (2019), HaysomWardMiller for Lochside House (2018), Richard Murphy Architects for Murphy House (2016), Skene Catling de la Pea for Flint House (2015), Loyn & Co for Stormy Castle (2014) and Carl Turner Architects for Slip House (2013).Again, the announcement will not be not made on television. In 2023 Channel 4 cut ties with the RIBA earlier this year, axing its Grand Designs House of the Year programme which showcased the finalists.The winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2024 will be announced in December.RIBA House of the Year 2024 finalists:Farmworkers House, Cornwall, byHugh Strange ArchitectsNestled into a wooded field, this deceptively simple home adopts an introverted courtyard house typology, its L-shaped plan sheltering a south-facing garden. Thick masonry walls of monolithic clay blocks form the protective wings, simply finished with textured lime render. Beyond the walls, the surrounding agricultural land is left untouched, allowing livestock to graze right up to the boundary walls. Inside, smooth unpainted lime plaster mirrors the roughcast outside, while dark brick floors throughout recall Victorian stable pavers, and an exposed roof structure of locally-grown Douglas Fir hangs above.Peckham House, London, by Surman WestonThis small but generously-spaced family home is full of enthusiasm and playfulness, with a faade defined by a distinctive pattern of hit-and-miss brickwork that playfully interprets the local houses. It sits on the end of an unassuming urban terrace, which makes the most of a small site, including a roof terrace to provide some needed outside space.Eavesdrop, Sussex, byTom Dowdall ArchitectsDesigned for retirement, the home is focused on wellbeing, calm and flexibility, with level thresholds for full accessibility, as well as light, tranquil spaces that open up to host friends and family. A generous central courtyard provides sunlight, fresh air, and year-round enjoyment of plants and wildlife. With its sweeping, rising roof, simple construction, and stone finishes, the house fits seamlessly into the landscape, while close up, the beauty of its stone detailing is revealed.The Hall, Kent, by TaylorHare ArchitectsSituated in the Kent Downs, this Grade II-listed 16th century residence has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished into a sustainable home. Interiors have been both restored and modernised, with finely crafted detailing and considered new interventions that work in harmony so that the historical compliments the contemporary. The house is an exemplar of green living, while simultaneously restoring the surrounding listed outbuildings and adding a pool, pool house, tennis court, stable block, and a new lake. The end result is a demonstration of how to extend the life of a historic building, while creating elegant living spaces for the future.Plas Hendy Stable Block, Monmouthshire, byStudio Brassica ArchitectsA Grade II-listed Arts & Crafts stable block has been rescued and restored to create a novel and accessible family home. Simple materials, detailing, and variation are applied in spirited and thoughtful ways, balancing aesthetic, heritage, and ecological obligations, while upgrades to sustainability and references to the Arts & Craft movement such as sawtooth brickwork and quarry tiles create moments of playfulness while demonstrating the many benefits of repurposing existing buildings.Six Columns, London, by 31/44 ArchitectsDesigned to meet a familys changing needs, Six Columns is a flexible, future-facing home intended to evolve with its occupants. It makes efficient and sophisticated use of space, and materials, with sustainable and cost-reducing features. Brutalist references and creative flourishes a stepping brickwork wall, rustications and pilasters, and a green marble panel make for a distinct and refreshing aesthetic. Wherever possible, self-finished materials are employed; the ground floor has exposed painted brickwork, and readily-available spruce panels are used to create many of the fittings and joinery, which can be adjusted with ease over time. Source:Kilian O'SullivanWinner of RIBA House of the Year 2023: Green House by Hayhurst & Co