This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like

The Royal Institute of British Architects has spoken.

Text by

The winners of the 2019 RIBA London Regional Awards have been announced, and the 50 buildings range from a palace makeover to a modest yet inventive artist's studio. The winners from each region of the U.K. enter the running for RIBA's national awards.

The London winners include seven homes. Each of them navigate the constraints of urban space and feature creative uses of materials. Will one of them go on to take the top honor? The national winners will be announced in June.

1A Earl’s Court Square, Sophie Hicks Architecture

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 1 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 2 of 14 -

Bordering a lush garden, this 500-square-foot home contrasts warm greenery and cool concrete. Light wells carry natural light to the rooms below ground.

Alwyne Place, Mitzman Architects

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 3 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 4 of 14 -

All doors open up to the central courtyard of this single-story home. Thoughtful organization of space and wall placement creates privacy from the close neighbors.

Crossfield St House, Jonathan Pile Architect

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 5 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 6 of 14 -

The black-stained wood siding of the Crossfield St House references London’s timber-clad houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, making the home pleasantly unassuming in a traditional neighborhood.

House in a Garden, Gianni Botsford Architects

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 7 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 8 of 14 -

The whimsical copper roof of this home adds a point of interest in the neighborhood while taking care not to block any sunlight.

Kenwood Lee House, Cousins & Cousins

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 9 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 10 of 14 -

The Kenwood Lee house puts a high-end twist on the classic gable-roofed suburban villa, complete with a formal garden, AV room, sauna, and swimming pool.

Max Fordham House, bere:architects

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 11 of 14 -

This Is What the Best New Houses in London Look Like - Photo 12 of 14 -

Environmental engineer Max Fordham outfitted his sustainable home with experimental insulated shutters. If they prove successful, Fordham hopes to reproduce the shutters for low-cost housing projects.