A bespoke residential project, led by Building Design Northern (BDN), has been shortlisted for a RIBA North East Regional Award.

The residential architecture extension project, located in Gilesgate, Durham, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award at the annual ceremony, which celebrates projects for their regional importance as a piece of architecture.

Led by BDN’s architecture department, the project consisted of remodelling the existing dwelling and the creation of an open plan, age-appropriate, dementia-friendly extension and detached workshop. Situated within the Durham City Conservation Area, the designs to the grade II listed property reinstated lost views of the Georgian host elevation previously hidden by low-quality 20th century extensions.

Large glazed sliding doors and a cantilevered corner opening maximise views and connection to the historic rear garden, and towards Durham Cathedral and beyond.

Commenting on BDN’s efforts to fulfil the brief, the client’s said, “You have created a truly wonderful home, taking an old, dilapidated, yet historic residence, and giving us a comfortable, practical house bathed in spectacular and ever changing vistas and reflections.”

The proposed design consisted of two simple pitched roof forms, which are orientated to reflect the historic burgage plot arrangement at the rear of the site. The two buildings are clad in weathered zinc and sit quietly beneath a mature beech and oak – these trees being key design influences: providing shade, dappled light, and ever changing views and reflections across the large areas of glazing.

Dave Hunt, Director of Conservation and Design, and project architect for Gilesgate said, “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for a RIBA North East Regional Award.

“It is great for our hard work to be recognised and a privilege to be up against an array of high-quality projects, in celebrating the excellence of architecture across our region.”

BDN’s nomination follows a period of rapid growth for the Northern firm, growing from 14 to 26 employees in just 18 months. Having relocated their Head Office to Sunderland in 2021, the multi-disciplinary practice has rapidly grown its services, offering architecture, engineering, project management and interior design services.

The shortlisted projects will be assessed by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced in Spring. Find out more here > RIBA Awards (architecture.com)