29 new UK projects named 2022 RIBA National Awards winners

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced winning designs as part of their year National Awards cycle, now in its 56th year.

The awards honor the UK’s best new constructions and carry several key insights into building trends across the country. This year’s winners included several education projects, adaptive reuse schemes, and increased residential designs over past iterations. A noticeable downturn in the number of healthcare, retail, and commercial constructions was also a defining characteristic of the 2022 list. Overall, there were 29 projects included from a total of 27 firms. 

The contest’s jury was chaired by Bennetts Associates co-founder Denise Bennetts, who said the winning projects were required to “have a synthesis between good sustainability outcomes, a demonstrated in the data, and architectural delight.” She mentioned several projects on the RIBA Regional Awards lists made the National Awards cut as well. Some will likely be included in the Stirling Prize shortlist, due out next month.

“At a time when we need to bring people together and plan for a sustainable future, this year’s RIBA National Award-winning buildings offer much hope. This is a powerful collection of buildings that show, despite the economic, political and social turmoil of the last few years, how great architecture can emerge even in challenging conditions,” RIBA’s president Simon Allford said in a press statement. “As we start to settle from the pandemic, I am particularly encouraged by the number and quality of new buildings designed to foster community. From local cultural hubs to reinvigorated accessible arts venues, these projects demonstrate the power of good architecture to lift spirits and enhance lives. These winners set a new benchmark and vision for the future of UK housing.”

Scroll down to see the full list of 2022 National Awards winners.