Six Columns, the self-designed home of architect Will Burges in London, has been awarded the prestigious RIBA House of the Year for 2024. This innovative and adaptable home was crafted by Burges and his studio, 31/44 Architects, to accommodate the evolving needs of his family.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) praised Six Columns for its flexible design and forward-thinking approach to residential architecture. This accolade highlights the significance of designing homes that can adapt over time, a concept that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world.
The Inspirational Design of Six Columns
Six Columns stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful and adaptable design. The house was designed with a philosophy that a home should be a lifelong process, evolving with its occupants.
This idea is especially relevant in a world where change is constant, and flexibility is key to sustainability and comfort.
Architectural Features
The exterior of Six Columns aligns seamlessly with the surrounding 1950s streetscape, featuring a pared-back material palette of tactile brick and terracotta tiles. However, a closer look reveals a blend of eclectic details influenced by the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe and the brutalist architectural style.
This combination of influences creates a unique and dynamic aesthetic that stands out while still respecting its context.
Inside, the house boasts a tactile palette of exposed concrete, painted brickwork, and untreated spruce joinery. This choice of materials not only adds to the visual appeal but also ensures that the interior can be easily adjusted in the future.
The mix of flexible open-plan living spaces and modular bedroom areas allows the home to adapt to the changing needs of the family over time.
Recognition by RIBA
The RIBA House of the Year prize is awarded annually to the best one-off house designed by an architect in the UK. Six Columns was selected as the winner for 2024 from a shortlist of six exceptional projects.
The other shortlisted projects included:
- Peckham House by Surman Weston
- Farmworker’s House by Hugh Strange Architects
- Eavesdrop by Tom Dowdall Architects
- The Hall by TaylorHare Architects
- Plas Hendy Stable Block by Studio Brassica Architects
The chair of the jury, Studio Weave director Je Ahn, emphasized the importance of the message conveyed by Six Columns. He noted that building your own home is a significant and often once-in-a-lifetime endeavor, and the idea of a home as a continuously evolving entity is a crucial concept to remember.
Comments from RIBA President
RIBA president Muyiwa Oki described Six Columns as a beautifully crafted family home that demonstrates what can be achieved even on the tightest of suburban sites. He highlighted the flexible, unfinished aesthetic of the house as a solution to future-proofed design, ensuring that the home can evolve with its occupants’ changing needs over time.
Previous Winners of RIBA House of the Year
Six Columns joins a prestigious list of previous winners of the RIBA House of the Year award. Last year’s winner was the riad-inspired Green House by Hayhurst & Co, described by the jury as a true oasis within the city.
Other notable recipients include:
- Red House by David Kohn Architects
- House on the Hill by Alison Brooks Architects
The Future of Residential Architecture
Six Columns exemplifies the direction in which residential architecture is heading. The focus is shifting towards designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and adaptable.
This approach ensures that homes can meet the changing needs of their occupants, promoting sustainability and long-term usability.
Adaptability and Sustainability
One of the key takeaways from Six Columns is the importance of adaptability in residential design. By incorporating flexible spaces and materials that can be easily modified, architects can create homes that grow with their occupants.
This not only enhances the living experience but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for extensive renovations or new constructions.
The use of durable and low-maintenance materials, as seen in Six Columns, further supports sustainability. Exposed concrete, painted brickwork, and untreated spruce joinery are not only visually appealing but also practical choices that stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Six Columns, the 2024 RIBA House of the Year, is a shining example of innovative and adaptable residential architecture.
Designed by Will Burges and his studio, 31/44 Architects, this family home in Crystal Palace demonstrates the importance of creating spaces that can evolve over time.
With its thoughtful design, flexible layout, and sustainable materials, Six Columns sets a new standard for residential architecture in the UK.
For more details on this award-winning project, visit the Dezeen article.