Supported by the Lancaster and Westmorland Society of Architects, the School of Architecture hosted a popular Autumn Lecture Series, which attracted students, academics, architects and the public, to hear Editional Studio, 31/44 and Mary Arnold-Forster talk about their work. All of our guest speakers are award winners in their own right, but we were thrilled to hear that a few weeks after speaking to us, Will Burges, co-founder of the renowned studio 31/44, was awarded the prestigious RIBA House of the Year 2024 for their innovative and characterful project, Six Columns. This annual accolade recognises the UK’s finest new homes and highlights the transformative potential of thoughtful design.

A Home That Blends Tradition and Modernity

Nestled on a compact trapezoid urban plot in the leafy Crystal Palace suburb of South London, Six Columns is both a personal and professional triumph for 31/44 Architects. Designed as a family home for Burges, his wife, and their two children, the project showcases a masterful balance between architectural heritage and modern ingenuity.

The four-bedroom house takes its name from the six structural columns that define its form. It seamlessly integrates into the rhythm of its surrounding terrace houses while asserting a unique identity with classical references and contemporary Brutalist details. Features such as stepped brickwork, green marble accents, and bespoke joinery evoke both historical inspiration and modern craftsmanship.

“We make architecture that sits comfortably in the fabric of the city by connecting to the historic, cultural, spatial and material qualities of a place. New buildings are introduced to their setting with care and consideration, making a positive contribution to the environment.” – Burges.

RIBA Praises Adaptable and Contextual Design

RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, who also spoke at the School in 2023, lauded Six Columns as ‘a beautifully crafted family home’ that offers a ‘solution to futureproofed design.’ Highlighting the house’s flexible, unfinished aesthetic as a forward-thinking approach, allowing the home to adapt to changing needs over time. ‘The generosity of space belies the limitations of this small garden plot,’ Oki said. The 1,640 sq. ft. house emphasises its significance as a model for sustainable urban infill development.

A Testament to 31/44’s Expertise

Founded in 2010 by Will Burges and Stephen Davies, with an additional studio in Nantes led by Benoit Sanson, 31/44 Architects is known for creating designs that harmonise with their surroundings. Their ethos—crafting architecture that respects the cultural and material qualities of its environment—shines through in Six Columns. It is the recipient of a 2024 RIBA London Award and the RIBA London Small Project of the Year. Meanwhile, previous accolades include the RIBA National and Regional Awards, the Manser Medal, and a nomination for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Mies van der Rohe Award.

Design Details of Six Columns

The house prioritises communal spaces, reducing private sleeping areas and corridors in favour of openness. Drawing from Brutalist principles, the interior is deliberately ‘unfinished’, allowing adaptability. The bespoke joinery employs materials like oiled pine, inspired by Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione and Le Corbusier’s early designs, creating a timeless yet flexible interior.

The project’s design has garnered acclaim not only from RIBA but also from publications such as the RIBA Journal, the Architects’ Journal and Wallpaper.

A Blueprint for Future Housing

As the UK grapples with a housing crisis, Six Columns offers a creative and practical model for sustainable urban living. Its thoughtful design and emphasis on adaptability showcase what is possible even on challenging sites. For 31/44, this award reaffirms their commitment to creating architecture that enriches both its occupants and the wider community.

With its mix of architectural innovation, cultural sensitivity, and personal touch, Six Columns stands as a beacon of what modern housing can achieve.

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Six Columns © Building Narratives

Six Columns © 31/44 Architects