A timber-framed co-housing development and a museum celebrating the legacy of Emily Hobhouse are among the 10 winners of the South West and Wessex Awards 2025.
Presented since 1966, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
The Story of Emily was named as winner of RIBA South West and Wessex Building of the Year Award 2025.
This is a mix of restored buildings and striking new architecture that forms a museum in Cornwall celebrating the legacy of Emily Hobhouse.
The jury praised the “bold new architectural inventions” that offer “a stylish, uplifting experience with powerful interpretation spaces to tell its internationally important story.”
Other winning projects included One Portwall Square by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
This is an innovative, energy-efficient office building that creates a new public space in Bristol.
Also chosen was Hazelmead, Bridport Cohousing, by Barefood Architects for 53 timber-framed affordable homes within a sustainable, co-housing development in Dorchester.
The 10 projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA South West and Wessex jury chair and head of campus planning and design at the University of Bristol Rob Gregory, said: “Almost without exception, each of the projects we visited was in some way impacted by the pandemic, and the intensity of that period was palpable.
“Whether we were visiting a new neighbourhood of houses on the outskirts of a regional town, a new office in a busy city centre, or a private home on a remote site – there was clear evidence of a deep understanding of both place and purpose.
“Perhaps that was because many of these projects were prolonged, allowing both client and architect time to reflect and iterate.
“In all the projects we visited there was clear evidence that both client-related and site-related needs have been deeply understood, and as a result, the architects, their clients, and our regional community more generally should be incredibly proud of all 13 of our shortlisted projects, not just those that have received awards.”
Speaking on all the UK Award winners, RIBA president, Muyiwa Oki, said: “This year’s winners exemplify architecture’s power to transform—turning spaces into places of connection, creativity, and care.
“Spanning the length of the UK and diverse in form and function, our 2025 winners show a deep sensitivity to place and a strong coherence of thought between all teams involved.
“Individually these projects inspire and uplift, but collectively, they remind us that architects do far more than design buildings, they shape the way we live, work and connect.”
RIBA South West and Wessex Award winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on July 10.
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 in the year.
