Surman Weston bags two slots on seven-project shortlist for small-projects award

Six practices have made it to the final stage of the 2022 Stephen Lawrence Prize, which celebrates up-and-coming talent and projects with budgets of less than £1m.

South-east London based Surman Weston has secured two entries on the list: its Hackney School of Food community hub in and Surbiton Springs new-build detached home.

Among the other contenders are Halifax-based Studio Gagarin, whose Leeds Footbridge over the River Aire has multiple environmental benefits, and Will Gamble Architects’ Parchment Works project in Northamptonshire.

The prize is awarded in of memory of Stephen Lawrence, who was on the road to becoming an architect when he was murdered in a racist attack in south London in 1993.

It was founded by former RIBA president Marco Goldschmied and Stephen’s mother Doreen, and is supported by Goldschmied’s foundation. The architect and long-time collaborator with Richard Rogers died earlier this month at the age of 78.

Goldschmied was unable to participate in the selection process for the 2022 shortlist, but the award jury is being chaired this year by his son Matthew.

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Source: Andrew Wall

Leeds Footbridge, by Gagarin Studio

Matthew Goldschmied said the 2022 panel was “seriously encouraged” by the climate-conscious ethos underpinning many of small projects making up the shortlist, from prioritising the re-use and adaptation of existing buildings to experiments with materials and technologies to meet low-carbon ambitions.

“We were also delighted to select three projects that focus so heavily on fostering community: projects that create vibrant spaces and connections for both new and established communities and demonstrate the power of architecture to lift spirits and enhance lives,” he said.

“My father launched this prize in 1998 with the intention of rewarding new architectural talent, and it has since evolved into a celebration of schemes that show the possibilities of innovative design on modest budgets.

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Source: Dug Wilder

Ravine House by Chiles Evans and Care Architects

“Before he passed away, I had a chance to discuss this year’s shortlisted projects with him; he was smiling and nodding with great satisfaction throughout.

“He delighted in the selection process, the variety of design expression, the visits and the award night. Above all, he cherished the people alongside whom he founded the Stephen Lawrence Prize, and those who were embraced into its community.

“I am confident he would be proud both of the emerging practices we see here, and the talent and ingenuity embodied in these seven truly unique schemes.”

The winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2022 will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on 13 October.

Stephen Lawrence Prize 2022 shortlist

Hackney School of Food by Surman Weston (London)

”A previously derelict school keeper’s house and garage transformed into a community hub, where local children learn how to grow and cook food”

Leeds Footbridge by Gagarin Studio (Yorkshire)

”A sculptural city-centre footbridge made from recyclable materials that also acts as a transfer structure for the district’s heating network”

Leyton House by McMahon Architecture (London)

”A finely-detailed, contemporary four-storey home slotted onto a small corner plot in Waltham Forest”

Peveril Gardens and Studios by Sanchez Benton Architects (London)

”A Brutalist retrofit creating a public walled garden and studios that support the local arts community”

Ravine House by Chiles Evans & Care Architects (East Midlands)

”The painstaking restoration of a 1960s modernist house that experiments with sustainable technologies such as geothermal heating”

Surbiton Springs by Surman Weston (London)

”A contemporary A-framed detached suburban house that takes inspiration from design ideas spanning the past 500 years”

The Parchment Works by Will Gamble Architects (East Midlands)

”An extension to a Grade II listed Victorian house that incorporates the ruins of a historic parchment factory and cattle shed”