The restoration of an old dairy farm in west Dorset into wheelchair-friendly holiday accommodation has won a prestigious architectural award.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects as the winner of the 2024 Stephen Lawrence Prize.

Founded by Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, the annual prize was established in 1998 in memory of teenager Stephen Lawrence, an aspiring architect who was murdered in a racist attack in London in 1993. 

With a focus on encouraging and nurturing new talent, the award exclusively recognises projects led by an early career project architect.

This is typically someone who has qualified within five years prior to the project’s completion date.   

Work at Wraxall Yard near Cattistock has transformed the ruins of an old dairy farm into a highly accessible holiday lets with an educational smallholding and community space through a sensitive restoration process.

(Image: Lorenzo Zandri) Born out of Wraxall Yard director Nick Read’s personal experience with inaccessible holiday accommodation for wheelchair users and sub-standard retrofits that didn’t centre the experiences of disabled people, he partnered with architect Clementine Blakemore to create accommodation that offers visitors comfort and independence. 

Much of the historical fabric of the building has been retained, with existing stone, salvaged roof trusses, and two thirds of the original clay tiles reused.

The jury was impressed by how deeply both Wraxall Yard and architect immersed themselves in the project.

Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair, and managing trustee at the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said:  “Sensitivity and ingenuity are evident in every detail of the transformation of Wraxall Yard.

"Inclusive and accessible design so often implies special treatment for one group or another, but this project appears to transcend all points of differentiation.

"The fundamental narrative for all who visit is a warm welcome to a nurturing place where a shared garden protects, comforts, and unites in equal measure.

"Relentless design consistency has delivered spaces that feel appropriate in scale, form and materiality – all of which are perfectly balanced throughout. 

He added: "Resources have been expertly supervised; from the retention and reuse of existing structures and materials to the skills of local craftspeople whilst respecting the imperative for a delicate environmental touch. 

"For an early-career architect to have devised, managed and delivered such a perfectly balanced project is remarkable and fully deserves the accolades it has already and continues to receive.”