Editor’s Choice

editor's choice DAVID KOHN RIBA HOUSE OF THE YEAR

The Red House in Dorset beats shortlist rivals, including Macdonald Wright Architects’ Library House

The Royal Institute of British Architects has awarded RIBA House of the Year 2022, to a “contemporary new family house in rural Dorset,” the Red House by David Kohn Architects. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the structure “reinterprets the style in an intentionally provocative way [...] [with] playful eccentricity, including oversized eaves, patterned red brickwork, and contrasting bold green details”.

Established in 2013, RIBA House of the Year is awarded to the best new house or house extension designed by an architect in the UK. Previous winners of the award that celebrates excellence and innovation in home design include Alison Brooks Architects for House on the Hill (2021), McGonigle McGrath for House Lessans (2019) HaysomWardMiller for Lochside House (2018), Richard Murphy Architects for Murphy House (2016), Skene Catling de la Peña for Flint House (2015), Loyn & Co for Stormy Castle (2014) and Carl Turner Architects for Slip House (2013).

Located on the hills of rural Dorset, the Red House creates a light and airy interior space. The ground floor offers practical and accessible ease of living through an open plan whereas more privacy and coziness are generated in certain enclosed spaces by moving walls, “in and out of alignment [...] offering only glimpses into the different areas, rather than a full view down the length of the house”.

According to the official statement, “the owners wanted a home that could adapt for future accessibility needs”. In fact, the design incorporated several thoughtful design future proofs, without comprising the needs of the present or the style of the house, such as rounded corners, grab-rails, no door handles, and even a lift. Moreover, in designing for climate change, the architects put in place thick walls and deep eaves, the concrete has been left exposed to maximize the thermal stability of the interiors and the deep concrete foundations have been replaced by steel piles, reducing the embodied carbon in the groundworks.

Ordinary yet quirky, extravagant although utilitarian, The Red House confronts our expectations of a house in a beautiful setting that never wants to settle into being one way or another. An aesthetic and sustainable building with future-proof functionality, it draws on architectural references from Morris to Stirling – with many surprises throughout which were applauded by all the jury members. Internally, the enfilade is formed without doors from the entrance to the living, kitchen, and dining areas, allowing the space to magically flow. This house was certainly the most debated, which in itself deserves praise.-- Taro Tsuruta, Chair of the RIBA House of the Year 2022 jury.

The jury for the House of the Year 2022 was: Taro Tsuruta (Chair), founder Tsuruta Architects; Alison Brooks, founder and creative director of Alison Brooks Architects; Yinka Ilori, founder of Yinka Ilori Studio; Ben Ridley, founder, and director at Architecture for London; Nicola Tikari, co-founder and director of Tikari Works.

WARDROBES, BEDS, AND DESKS HOW TO DESIGN A BRILLIANT CHILDRENS ROOM

The right colour scheme for the children’s room

Until recently, children’s rooms were dominated by uniform and bright colours. Currently, however, the focus is on much more subdued colours, which allow you to go a little more crazy with accessories, and are also conducive to the child while playing and learning. That is why interior designers recommend betting on minimalism – beige, white or grey, which can be broken with a colourful wallpaper and furniture with a distinct colour accent, such as pink wardrobe doors.

When choosing the colour of furniture for a children’s room, it is safest to choose classic, white furniture that will make the room very bright. However, this does not mean that there will be no other colours in the room! At https://www.dakohome.co.uk/ you will find wardrobes, shelves and other children’s furniture that combine white with interesting colours such as pink, blue, or green!

What kind of furniture for a children’s room?

Although this question seems trivial, in practice it can involve many difficult choices. A desk cannot be missing in a children’s room – even the youngest kids should have a space to draw, paint and read. A comfortable chair with a matching backrest is also necessary. Wardrobes are also an inseparable element of a children’s room. It is worth picking a model that has enough shelves and drawers to store both everyday clothes and those winter and elegant ones! A properly fitted bed with a comfortable mattress is also significant. For small children’s rooms, bunk beds are recommended (which are suitable not only for two, but also for one child) – they take up less space and allow you to better manage the space in the room!

What accessories for a children’s room?

There can be no shortage of storage space in the children’s room. Wardrobes work well as a place for clothes, while toys can be stored in separate containers or boxes. In the middle of the room, it is worth putting a large and soft rug, which will serve as a play space. It is also worth remembering to install blinds or buy blackout curtains, thanks to which the child will be able to sleep long and peacefully!