The RIBA House of the Year 2015

Flint House in Buckinghamshire was awarded the prestigious 2015 RIBA House of the Year Award on November 25th. The building was commissioned by Jacob Rothschild, of the historic banking family, and designed by London architectural practice Skene Catling de la Pena. It was built on the Waddesdon Manor estate and will provide accommodation for visiting artists and guests. It beat off competition for the prize from a shortlist of seven other stunning projects from across the UK.The property impressed judges because it is a celebration of the location and a prime example of innovative residential architecture. Flint was one of the major building materials, which made the project stand out immediately as the material is rarely used in construction. It can be seen on the cladding outside of the structure as well as on internal walls, giving the property a natural rugged texture. Darker flint was used at the ground level on the exterior and the material gradually lightens until it becomes chalky and blends into the sky.The use of flint is crucial for the design and the location. The property itself stands on a seam of the material, so it was a natural choice to use it in the construction, resulting in a building which complements and harmonises with the surrounding agricultural land. There are very few other locations where the material could be used to create such a contemporary home.The property has a unique and thought provoking layout with balconies, terraces and recesses to provide a variety of living spaces, with a mixture of open, airy rooms and more private spaces. The skills of several talented specialists were needed to bring it to life, including a flint consultant, ecology consultant, civil engineers and structural engineers. The building is thoroughly deserving of the award it has received. As architects, it is our duty to consider the materials we use and how they will work for the location, and Flint House is a prime example of this, demonstrating how architects can create buildings which become an integral part of the landscape.