RIBA announces shortlist for 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing

Clockwise from top left: 95 Peckham Road by Peter Barber Architects © Morley von Sternberg; Blackfriars Circus by Maccreanor Lavington © Tim Crocker; McGrath Road by Peter Barber Architects © Morley von Sternberg; Key Worker Housing, Eddington, Cambridge by Stanton Williams © Jack Hobhouse

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Tuesday 14 September) announced the shortlist for the 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing, named in honour of modernist architect Neave Brown (1929 – 2018), who designed the Alexandra Road housing estate in Camden amongst other projects.

The shortlist for the 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing is drawn from the winners of the 2021 Regional Awards, that are projects of ten or more homes completed and occupied between 1 November 2017 and 1 February 2020, and at least one third of the housing needs to be affordable.

The four housing developments shortlisted for the 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing are:
- 95 Peckham Road, London, by Peter Barber Architects

A vibrant development made up of 33 homes, embracing dramatic design and playful features, and a peaceful courtyard behind the building. The block is a lively new addition to the Peckham street.
- Blackfriars Circus, London, by Maccreanor Lavington

A sustainable new neighbourhood, revived from a semi-derelict brownfield site, which comprises several separate blocks with stunning roof gardens and a 28-storey tower. It generates 336 new homes and includes two public areas and a yard surrounded by units for small enterprises.
- Key Worker Housing, Eddington, Cambridge, by Stanton Williams

A communal residential scheme, designed for the University of Cambridge, with interconnected courtyards and harmonious shared spaces throughout the development, welcoming both residents and the public. It incorporates sustainable water features and bike storage units wrapped in timber.
- McGrath Road, London, by Peter Barber Architects

A series of 26 unique townhouses, designed for the London Borough of Newham. The houses challenge convention with their creative layouts and the combination of a traditional London terrace and European courtyard, which brings the residents together.

RIBA President Simon Allford said:

“These exceptional housing developments are exemplars of sustainable, innovative design; they foster a strong sense of community, and encompass the values of social housing pioneer, Neave Brown. Each scheme provides an intelligent and creative solution that addresses the UK’s affordable housing challenge. They also offer delightful places to live that consider the health and wellbeing of current and future residents. Congratulations to all of the projects shortlisted for our second Neave Brown Award for Housing.”

The shortlist was selected from the 2021 RIBA Regional Awards winners by an expert panel of judges: Winner of 2019 Neave Brown Award for Housing David Mikhail (Chair), Co-founder and CEO of Public Practice Pooja Agrawal and Neave Brown family representative Mark Swenarton.

The winner of the 2021 Neave Brown Award for Housing will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday 14 October at Coventry Cathedral.