The 2017 Stephen Lawrence Prize has been awarded to The Houseboat, designed in collaboration with Meredith Bowles of Mole Architects and executive architect Rebecca Granger.
Built for clients who are architects themselves, this extraordinary house is the culmination of many years of designing and collaborating. The result is a spectacular home, conceived as two upturned hulls propped together, with breath-taking spaces facing the sea over Poole Harbour.
"In an age where detail design and carefully crafted construction are all too often sacrificed to meet short term deadlines, the Houseboat is a welcome exception," commented Stephen Lawrence Prize founder Marco Goldschmied. "Its split-level geometry and use of disparate materials and ad-hoc elements have been seamlessly assembled into a surprisingly harmonious and entertaining whole. A new house that feels like a lived-in home from the outset is a rare achievement. Congratulations to the architects and clients for their patient dedication in bringing it to fruition."
Photography: Rory Gardiner