Our innovative architecture competition reaches final stages

The final designs in our prestigious competition for homes which encourage young people to stay in the Lakes and Dales can now be seen online.

Entries from the final six in our competition with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) competition are on view here. Feedback can also be given via the webpage. In addition, consultation meetings with residents are planned for the coming weeks.

Three architects are in competition for each of two sites: one at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in North Craven and the other at Burneside, South Lakes. The judging process concludes on July 29 and we’ll announce the winner shortly after.

At Burneside, the final designs will go on display in the Acland Room of the Bryce Institute for a week between July 17 and 24. Residents will be able to drop in, view the entries and leave comments.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Parish Council will be consulted, and residents will be able to see the entries displayed in St Oswald’s Parish Church, Horton-in-Ribblesdale from July 19 until 24.

Submissions will be shared with planners at South Lakeland District Council, Craven District Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for comments. A local quantity surveyor will also assess entries for financial accuracy which will be a consideration for the judging panel.

GPLD consultant Richard Dowson said: “Affordability and innovation are key strands to the competition. GPLD’s focus is to help to address the trend of fewer under 35s living and working in the Lakes and Dales. Our research findings suggest suitable housing is one main barrier to 18 to 34-year-olds putting down roots in the area*.

“We are looking for exciting, cutting edge designs and a greater offer for younger generations. It’s about housing that will appeal to returners and young people already living in the area.”

The judges will also hold informal consultations with invited, locally-based, young creative entrepreneurs to gauge their opinions. In addition, GPLD is linking up with the Manchester School of Architecture to gain opinions from current students. It is hoped that local colleges may also have some input.

Richard added: “The judging panel will consider all the feedback when it meets on July 29. The winning architects will then work with the respective developers of both sites to further develop the schemes towards becoming reality, which will include further consultation with residents and be subject to the usual planning requirements.”

The judging panel is made up of local authority officers from Craven District Council and South Lakes District Council, design experts, a RIBA agent and landowners. Its members include Wayne Hemingway (Hemingway Design), Nathan Cornish (Urban Splash), Mark Cropper (James Cropper), David Roberts (igloo), David Smurthwaite (CDC), David Sykes (SLDC) and Sasha Bhavan (RIBA).

David Smurthwaite, strategic manager at Craven District Council, and member of the panel, said: “We would encourage anyone with an interest in these new homes to look at the designs. We welcome any comments on the entries and will take your opinions on board when deciding on the winner.

“This is a really exciting project – we’re looking for original, inventive, affordable homes that will help encourage young people to stay in this beautiful area.”

The final six architects are: Horton-in-Ribblesdale – McGinlay Bell Architects, McMullan Studio and Patalab; Burneside – Hawkins Brown, Outpost (including Giles Miller Studios) and Weston Williamson.