DesignAsia
The prestigious RIBA House of the Year 2024 award has been awarded to Six Columns, a remarkable home designed by 31/44 Architects for director Will Burges and his family. Located in Crystal Palace, South London, this four-bedroom residence stands out with its bold use of six prominent columns that define its architectural identity. These columns, combined with the home’s creative blend of Brutalist influences and a strong connection to the surrounding terraced houses, earned it the award.
The design maximizes a compact urban plot, carefully addressing the needs of a modern family while maintaining a striking and personalized architectural presence. The house’s interior offers a rich mixture of exposed brick, spruce paneling, and concrete, balanced by warm timber joinery, creating a warm yet industrial atmosphere. It also emphasizes open, shared living spaces over narrow corridors, creating a sense of openness despite its modest size. Views from the main living areas extend into two distinct rear gardens, enhancing the feeling of space.
The house integrates sustainability through its design choices, including locally sourced materials. The project is praised for its ability to blend into its urban surroundings while maintaining a distinct character that makes it stand out as a model of modern residential architecture.
The RIBA House of the Year award is one of the highest recognitions in architecture, and Six Columns joins a prestigious list of past winners, showcasing the creativity, sustainability, and innovative use of space that is defining the future of domestic architecture in the U
