The prestigious Grand Designs House of the Year award for 2025 has revealed its six spectacular finalists, showcasing the very best in British residential architecture. Presented by the inimitable Kevin McCloud on Channel 4, the first episode of the series aired on Wednesday, November 19. The award is a celebrated collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and the overall winner is set to be announced to the public next month.
A Showcase of Architectural Diversity
This year's shortlist is a powerful testament to the diversity of modern British design, featuring homes that vary dramatically in style, scale, and philosophy. Each project demonstrates a profound commitment to challenging conventional norms while showing deep sensitivity to its environmental and social setting. From remote Scottish islands to dense London neighbourhoods, these six houses prove that innovative design can thrive anywhere.
The Six Groundbreaking Contenders
Caochan na Creige – Isle of Harris, Scotland
Perched on the wild shores of the Outer Hebrides, Caochan na Creige, meaning 'little hidden one by the rock', is a stunning example of minimalist coastal architecture. Built primarily from local stone, this compact home masterfully blends traditional materials with sleek, modern lines. Its design is specifically engineered to endure the severe storms of the region. An innovative open-plan living area frames breathtaking panoramic views of the North Atlantic, flooding the intimate interior with natural light. The builders' resilience was tested through nine severe storms during construction, highlighting the immense challenge of this remote build.
Hastings House – Hastings, South Coast
This project involved the transformative refurbishment of a 19th-century detached home on a difficult sloping site. The designers brilliantly reconfigured the once segmented interior, using the three-storey level change to create a series of fluid, interconnected living spaces filled with light. Advanced concrete repair and timber framing techniques were used to overcome structural issues while preserving the building's historic character. A charming kitchen garden on the front terrace beautifully blurs the line between the home and its natural surroundings.
Two-family Cliffside House – Cornwall
Nestled into a dramatic Cornish cliff, this innovative home provides two separate living units side-by-side. RIBA judges praised its 'intimate understanding' of the sensitive coastal environment. While each unit is independent, they share communal amenities like a heated pool and dining terrace, creating a perfect balance of privacy and community. The construction involved craning 400 large timber panels individually into place. The extensive use of timber and glass reflects the natural environment, and the home is carefully oriented to maximise sunlight and provide shelter from the wind.
Accessible Home – Clayworth, Nottinghamshire
This single-storey, T-shaped dwelling sets a new benchmark for accessible design, proving that style and spatial richness need not be compromised. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls connect the interior to the garden, promoting seamless indoor-outdoor living. The layout incorporates functional zones like an exercise gym and playroom within an open-plan kitchen and living area, offering unparalleled flexibility and promoting independence. It is a triumphant fusion of practical accessibility needs and genuine architectural artistry.
Bury Gate Farm – South Downs National Park, Hampshire
Replacing a dated 1950s bungalow, this meticulously crafted family home is a statement of sustainable living within the pristine South Downs National Park. The project took over six years to develop and build. Its expansive interiors feature a dramatic double-height hallway, five bedrooms, a residential lift, and an annexe for multi-generational living. Bury Gate Farm expertly demonstrates how modern family needs and sustainable design principles can coexist harmoniously with a protected natural landscape.
Brick Bungalow – Haringey, London
In the dense urban setting of North London, the Brick Bungalow is a masterclass in optimising a limited and challenging site. Tucked away behind a shop and accessed via a narrow alley, this single-storey home uses clever architectural solutions to feel spacious and light. It boasts two private courtyards and a living area with striking pyramidal ceilings. Judges hailed it as a 'delightful home' for its inventive use of light, volume, and connection to the outdoors, setting a new standard for adaptive city living.
Celebrating British Architectural Innovation
The Grand Designs House of the Year award continues to be a vital platform for celebrating architectural courage and creativity across the United Kingdom. This year's shortlist not only highlights beautiful and functional homes but also underscores the importance of sustainability, accessibility, and context-sensitive design. The nation now waits with anticipation to see which of these six extraordinary projects will be crowned the winner next month.
