A striking contemporary country house delivered in a protected rural landscape has won a prestigious 2026 RIBA Yorkshire Award, with judges recognising the project’s ambitious construction techniques, sustainability credentials and sensitive integration into the natural environment.

The award-winning project, delivered by Rural Solutions, was the only rural development and the only private house among five winners in this year’s Royal Institute of British Architects Yorkshire Awards.

The project will now be considered for a RIBA National Award ahead of the shortlist announcement for the 2026 Stirling Prize later this year.

The house was built under the ‘exceptional country house’ clause (Paragraph 84e) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a planning route reserved for projects demonstrating outstanding architectural and environmental quality.

Rural Solutions, which has an office in North Yorkshire, secured planning consent and led the technical delivery of the scheme, acting as delivery architect, project manager and contract administrator.

The wider project team included Sadler Brown Architects-Group as concept architect and Dobson Construction as main contractor, alongside a number of specialist consultants and suppliers from across the region.

One of the project’s most technically demanding elements was a 13-metre cantilevered balcony, requiring an advanced structural solution combining steel, timber and concrete to achieve the building’s dramatic form.

Dry stone walling was also used to integrate the property into the sloping landscape, while copper-clad architectural flutes create a distinctive visual identity above the structure.

Net zero country house showcases sustainable building materials

The project also stands out for its focus on low-carbon construction and net zero operational performance.

Sustainability features include a living roof, hydro-electric power generated from a valley stream, a water source heat pump and the use of recycled and reclaimed materials throughout the build.

Among the materials incorporated into the house were decommissioned North Sea oil rig pipes, timber sourced from woodland on the site and green concrete products.

The surrounding Victorian garden has also been carefully restored as part of a wider programme to rejuvenate the historic landscape setting.

RIBA judges praise collaborative delivery and environmental performance

Malcolm Birks, Head of Design at Rural Solutions, said the award recognised the collaborative effort behind a highly complex rural construction project.

He said: “Winning this award is a fantastic outcome for this project and recognises the dedication of the whole delivery team.

“The scheme demonstrates how contemporary design can sit comfortably within a sensitive rural setting and with sustainability embedded into every detail.

“It has been a truly collaborative experience, for a client who every day finds another aspect of the house and landscape to delight them.”

Charlotte Harrison, Yorkshire Jury Chair for RIBA, added: “This house is a unique example of contemporary rural living – a home rooted in its place yet boldly of its time.

“The result is a home that is both intimately scaled and quietly confident, balancing craft, environmental performance and a distinctive regional character.”