Yorkshire country house wins RIBA award

A planning and design firm has secured an architectural award for its work on an innovative countryside home.

Rural Solutions, which has an office in North Yorkshire, was recognised at the RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2026 for its role in delivering a contemporary country house in a protected rural landscape.

The project was one of only five winners across the region and the only private rural home to receive recognition during the awards’ 60th anniversary year.

Rural Solutions provided planning, detailed design and landscape services for the house, which was delivered under the National Planning Policy Framework’s “exceptional country house” clause reserved for architecturally outstanding homes.

The property features a living roof, hydro-electric power generated from a valley stream, a water source heat pump and recycled materials including timber from the site and repurposed North Sea oil rig pipes.

Designed to reflect the surrounding landscape, the home incorporates dry stone walls, copper-clad structures and a dramatic 13-metre cantilevered balcony.

Malcolm Birks, head of design at Rural Solutions, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic outcome for this project and recognises the dedication of the whole delivery team. 

“The scheme demonstrates how contemporary design can sit comfortably within a sensitive rural setting and with sustainability embedded into every detail. 

“It has been a truly collaborative experience, for a client who every day finds another aspect of the house and landscape to delight them.”

Charlotte Harrison, RIBA Yorkshire jury chair and partner at Mass Architecture, added: “This house is a unique example of contemporary rural living – a home rooted in its place yet boldly of its time. 

“The result is a home that is both intimately scaled and quietly confident, balancing craft, environmental performance and a distinctive regional character."

Following the regional success, the project will now be considered for a RIBA National Award, with shortlisted schemes later eligible for this year’s Stirling Prize.

You can explore the full story behind the project here.

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