RIBA House of the Year

Caochan na Craige

What does it take to win House of the Year?

Join us for the story of Caochan na Craige by Izat Arundell. Crowned the winner of RIBA House of the Year 2025, the annual award for the UK’s best new home.

Rooted in landscape, craft and quiet ambition, Caochan na Creige demonstrates how contemporary domestic architecture can be both deeply contextual and confidently original. The project has been widely praised for its sensitivity, intelligence and emotional resonance.

“This is architecture of rare clarity — a house that listens carefully to its place and answers with generosity rather than bravura.”

David Kohn, Chair RIBA Judging Panel

“a reminder that the most powerful architecture often works at a human scale, where restraint, patience and joy are beautifully aligned.”

Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs

 “its assured calm proving that innovation need not shout to be transformative.” 

Rowan Moore,  The Observer

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Eilidh Izat

Eilidh is a Scottish architect and co-founder of the practice Izat Arundell. She studied architecture at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Edinburgh, with professional experience in Japan and Norway informing her approach. Her work is characterised by a strong engagement with craft, materiality, and place, particularly within rural and coastal contexts. She has received multiple awards and regularly lectures on contemporary architectural practice.

Professor Alex Wright Chair

Professor Alex Wright is Head of Architecture at the University of Bath, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching. A graduate of Bath, Cambridge, and Harvard (as a Harkness Fellow), he practised architecture for 15 years before entering academia. His work encompasses architectural education, design review, and national advisory roles in professional standards and pedagogy.

This event is in partnership with RIBA and EH Smith.

Our talks are open to the public and professionals alike.
The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA