RIBA House of the Year 2023 shortlist: Cowshed

The Royal Institute of British Architects awards the House of the Year annually to the best example of a one-off house designed by an architect in the UK, celebrating excellence and innovation in home design.
Cowshed, South Devon by David Kohn Architects (‪@David_Kohn_Architects_‬)
Comprising an artist’s studio, office, and generous living space, this project breathes new life into a former agricultural building. The owners have spent the last 15 years creating a community of homes in a farm compound, with Cowshed the last to be completed.
Almost all of the 1970s agricultural structure has been retained while economical materials, including locally sourced concrete blocks and cedar from a nearby estate, have been elevated through careful use. Playful details include the reuse of lights previously used to warm calves, while carefully positioned windows with colourful reveals reference the owner’s artwork, injecting colour into the pared-back structure.
"Buildings can make living a pleasure. There's the possibility of living the life that you imagined for yourself, and architecture helps you achieve that." -- David Kohn, Founding Director, David Kohn Architects.
"This house has changed my life in many ways. But one of the biggest ways is having a studio. This studio, where I can be in here night or day and be warm and dry. " -- Suzanne, artist and homeowner.
Visit our website to learn more: www.architectu...

[@prof.heinous191]

How refreshing to hear an architect who can talk unpretentiously!

[@sajahf]

and the whole design is unpretentious. that's unusual too

[@Xyzabc998]

Something very original and clearly incorporates the owners and their history. Lovely.

[@kyracl7318]

Watching this bought me so much joy ❤

[@mjpage2398]

Fantastic. I wish you were in Québec for my project.

[@mamajojoful]

What is Suzanne's surname, interested in her wonderful art!!

[@davidkohn2076]

Blank Redstone

[@bernardkealey6449]

I can’t see any attempt to insulate?

[@davidkohn2076]

There is cavity insulation throughout between two leaves of blockwork or timber cladding and blockwork.