Restoration of Big Ben and stunning Japanese 'garden house' shortlisted for Riba Stirling Prize

The restoration of Big Ben and a Japanese 'garden house' are among the stunning architecture shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Six projects are in the running for the Riba Stirling Prize, the UK's highest accolade in architecture, including Appleby in south-east London, described as a pioneering model of housing for later living, and the new home of the London College of Fashion.

Also shortlisted are Hastings House, which saw an ageing hillside home in East Sussex extended with a modern, timber-framed rear; South London's Niwa House - meaning 'garden home' in Japanese, which has an open-plan layout and is described as a 'blueprint for accessible housing'; and Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca's new Discovery Centre in Cambridge.

The restoration of the Victorian Elizabeth Tower saw traditional materials and bespoke craftspeople used to rectify previous restoration mistakes and repair newly uncovered damage from the Second World War.

Improvements to accessibility, such as a new visitor lift, have opened up the monument to a broader audience.

Chris Williamson, president of Riba (Royal Institute of British Architects), said: 'These projects demonstrate architecture's unique ability to address some of the most urgent challenges of our time, responding with creativity, adaptability and care.

'From a monumental civic building that champions investment in arts and culture, to the sensitive restoration of one the nation's most iconic landmarks, and a cutting-edge medical research facility, each offers a blueprint for how architecture can enrich society.

'At a time when quality housing is urgently needed across the country, the residential projects stand out for their inventive, human-centred design, from social housing that combats isolation in later life, to a bold home extension that celebrates reuse, and an accessible home that proves that beauty and accessibility can co-exist.

'Together these projects offer a hopeful vision for the future, one where architecture strengthens communities and helps shape a more sustainable and inclusive built environment.'

The winner of the Riba Stirling Prize 2025 will be announced at London's Roundhouse on October 16.

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