Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects wins Stephen Lawrence Prize 2024

A 19th-century dairy farm ruin converted into holiday accommodation by London-based studio Clementine Blakemore Architects has been awarded this year's RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize.

Located in Dorset, the Wraxall Yard complex contains "highly accessible" holiday lets alongside an educational space and community space integrated with inclusive design strategies to create spaces for "people of all abilities".

The jury praised the project by Clementine Blakemore Architects for its "sensitivity and ingenuity" and were impressed by both the client and architect's commitment to the project.

"Sensitivity and ingenuity are evident in every detail of the transformation of Wraxall Yard," jury chair Matthew Goldschmied said.

"Inclusive and accessible design so often implies special treatment for one group or another, but this project appears to transcend all points of differentiation."

"The fundamental narrative for all who visit is a warm welcome to a nurturing place where a shared garden protects, comforts, and unites in equal measure," he added. "Relentless design consistency has delivered spaces that feel appropriate in scale, form and materiality – all of which are perfectly balanced throughout."

Clementine Blakemore Architects retained much of the existing, historical ruin, with effort put into restoring the existing stone and roof trusses, as well as reusing the original clay tiles.

Newly added elements such as lime mortar stonework and Douglas Fir screens were chosen to draw on the area's local vernacular.

Integral to the design was the inclusion of accessible features, which include landscaping strategies that remove the need for ramps and obvious handrails, along with polished concrete floors that reduce drag and mitigate bumps for wheelchairs.

Other features include vast open spaces designed to enhance accessibility.

Founded by Doreen Lawrence and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, the annually-awarded prize was established in 1998 in memory of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager and aspiring architect who was the victim of a fatal racist attack in 1993.

The award exclusively recognises projects led by early career project architects, who have typically qualified within five years prior to the project completion.

Alongside winning the 2024 Stephen Lawrence Prize, the project was also among the six projects shortlisted for this year's RIBA Stirling Prize, which was won by the Elizabeth Line.

Also at the awards ceremony last night, Chowdhury Walk by Al-Jawad Pike was named as winner of this year's Neave Brown Award for Housing.

The photography is by Lorenzo Zandri unless otherwise stated.

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