AN ‘eccentric’ house tucked away in rural Dorset has been crowned House of the Year.

The Red House, in Shaftesbury, was revealed as the top choice by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for its annual award.

The moment it was announced as winner was broadcast on Grand Designs, on Channel 4, on Wednesday, December 7.

Judges described the building as ‘eccentric’ and said it had a ‘future-proof functionality’. They added that the design had been heavily debated amongst judges which, in itself, made it worthy of praise.

It had been one of seven buildings shortlisted for the prestigious architectural awards and saw off competition from east Sussex, west Sussex and London.

Designed by David Kohn Architects on behalf of a private client, The Red House is described as a “playful take on the rural vernacular farmhouse” and features bold green eaves, doors and windows.

It gets its name from the distinctive oversized red bricks used throughout the exterior of the property whilst the inside provides a mix of ‘informal but connected series of spaces’.

Dorset Echo:

The house was praised for its consideration for sustainability and contribution to designing with climate change in mind.

A description on RIBA’s website says: “The owners wanted a home that could adapt for future accessibility needs. The staircase has two handrails, there are rounded corners on built-in furniture, grab-rails on the fronts of cupboards, no door handles to turn – and even a lift. 

“This thoughtful design future proofs, without comprising on the needs of the present or the style of the house.

“Consideration has also been given to designing for climate change. The house has thick walls and deep eaves, serving to protect the façade from the elements and minimise overheating during summer months - crucial considerations as the climate progressively changes.

The other shortlisted properties were The Library House by Macdonald Wright, Mews House Deep Retrofit by Prewett Bizley, Seabreeze by RX Architects, Suffolk Cottage by Haysom Ward Miller, Surbiton Springs by Surman Weston and The Dutch Barn by Sandy Rendel.

Last year, a contemporary farmhouse extension in Gloucestershire - House on the Hill - scooped the award.