Artefact's innovative Triangle House extension in Epsom, Surrey, has been revealed as a finalist for the prestigious RIBA House of the Year award. The distinctive project, featuring playful terracotta tiling, was showcased in the latest episode of Grand Designs, the popular Channel 4 television program that has returned with a dedicated series highlighting the shortlisted buildings.
The architectural challenge presented to Artefact involved transforming a compact 1950s suburban house to serve dual purposes: accommodating large family gatherings while ensuring the property would meet the evolving needs of the client couple as they age. The firm successfully addressed concerns about accessibility, running costs, and garden enjoyment for the homeowners' future requirements.
Triangle House distinguished itself among exceptional projects, earning recognition as one of only 20 schemes to receive an RIBA national award earlier this year. The House of the Year jury praised Artefact's work, noting that the architects "achieved far more than simply fulfilling the brief." The practice drew inspiration from Caribbean architectural style, creating an enfilade of living spaces designed to follow and capture the afternoon sun throughout the day.
The competition's return to television marks a significant development, as it represents the first time the program has aired since 2022. Channel 4 had previously severed ties with RIBA two years ago, effectively ending the series that had been running since 2015. The restoration of this partnership brings renewed attention to outstanding residential architecture across the United Kingdom.
Speaking about the show's return in July, then-RIBA president Muyiwa Oki expressed enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration. "We are excited to once again be partnering with Grand Designs to present House of the Year," Oki commented. "It will be a privilege to see these exceptional homes, designed by our members and rigorously judged by RIBA awards juries, return to our screens."
The competition builds on the success of previous years, with last year's House of the Year award going to Six Columns in Crystal Palace. That winning project was designed by practice director Will Burges as his own family residence, demonstrating the personal investment architects often have in their most innovative work.
The jury's official citation for Triangle House emphasized the comprehensive nature of the architectural challenge and solution. "The architects were tasked to extend a compact 1950s suburban house in Epsom, Surrey, to accommodate large family gatherings, and consider the future needs of their client couple into older age, in terms of access, running costs and garden pleasures," the citation read. "They have achieved far more than simply fulfilling the brief."
This recognition highlights the growing importance of multi-generational design considerations in contemporary residential architecture, as families increasingly seek homes that can adapt to changing needs over time while maintaining both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
