A first RIBA award is being celebrated by Grimsby’s ID Architecture after their exceptional design of a new rural home was judged as one of the best builds in the entire region.
Barrow House at Hatcliffe, within the Lincolnshire Wolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, had to be impressive to get planning permission - and it has proven so.
It was one of eight designs across domestic, commercial and public works in Yorkshire and the Humber to receive a 2021 prize, and will now be entered into the national competition. The Stirling Prize awaits one.
Read more: RIBA award winners revealed for Yorkshire - see the stunning architecture in 40 pictures
Andy Inch, founding director, who led the team on what was a huge first in terms of design, said: “It is amazing, an absolutely fantastic feeling to win. We are really, really happy.
“Hopefully it elevates the practice; awards are always nice and being a RIBA, it is pretty prestigious.”
The concrete and corten steel build, with expansive glazing to the open elevation, is sunken into the rolling Wolds, on the very edge of North East Lincolnshire.
It was the first home in the county to be brought forward under a planning clause that allows for exceptional design in rural areas.
He said: “The project goes back to early 2016, we were appointed by a local couple, looking to build a home on and owned by their parents. They wanted to put a barn conversion there, but it was pretty obvious to us it was fairly unlikely it would be possible, in open countryside and an area of outstanding natural beauty.
“We knew we would have to do something unusual and special there to comply with planning legislation.”
A complex cantilever steel frame and concrete retaining walls made it possible, given the impression of a weathered barn from the roadside.
“It was our first of this type, we knew we were asking for a leap of faith from the clients, and they showed a lot of confidence in us, trusteed us to work together really well,” Mr Inch said, having launched in 2010.
“They were very open minded and as clients we owe them a debt of gratitude because they have seen it through. The design relied somewhat on the landscaping, when first built on a muddy site it was something of a bunker, with concrete and steel, but they have been faithful to the original scheme and it looks amazing.”
Mr Inch worked alongside colleagues Rob Cook and Richard Thornton, with Brigg’s CLS Civil Engineering and Nettleham’s Belvin Construction bringing the plans to physical fruition.
A Local Authority Building Control National Award has already been received, recognising the relationship with planners and the eight-strong Alexandra Road practice.
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