Lion Green Road Wins 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize
Mary Duggan Architects and RUFFARCHITECTS transform a suburban site into high-density housing.
1Stirling Prize 2026 Winner
The Royal Institute of British Architects awarded the 2026 Stirling Prize to Lion Green Road in Coulsdon, South London. Designed by Mary Duggan Architects and RUFFARCHITECTS for Croydon Council, the project features 157 homes across five blocks. The announcement occurred on October 15 at Old Billingsgate, marking the prize's 30th anniversary.
2Topographical Design Strategy
The development replaces a former car park on a site with an eight-meter elevation difference. Rather than leveling the terrain, architects utilized the slope to shape building arrangements. This approach creates a living landscape that connects the residential blocks to surrounding parkland while accommodating 635 residents within the suburban context.
3Architectural Block Composition
The five residential blocks share a construction specification but vary in height, orientation, and brickwork patterns. Three brown brick tones integrate the structures with local greenery, while unique brickwork provides individual identity to each block. The layout prioritizes views, including perspectives toward the historic Surrey Iron Railway, the world's first public railway.
4Community and Public Space
The site design emphasizes shared outdoor spaces, including a new public pathway connecting the street to adjacent parkland. Residents benefit from sensory trails, allotments, and children's play areas designed to foster daily interaction. These communal zones extend the landscape's utility beyond the private residential buildings, encouraging engagement between neighbors and the wider community.
5Density and Privacy Balance
Each apartment utilizes dual-aspect layouts to maximize daylight and provide multi-directional views. Balconies are strategically positioned to limit overlooking between neighboring units, ensuring privacy despite the high-density arrangement. This planning method successfully balances the provision of housing with access to private outdoor space and natural light for all 157 homes.
6Environmental Impact Measures
The project incorporates efficient construction methods and simple finishes to reduce carbon emissions throughout the building process. The landscape strategy actively supports existing wildlife and biodiversity within the site. By streamlining construction and focusing on sustainable material use, the architects aimed to minimize the environmental footprint of this significant housing development.
7Competitive Selection Process
The 2026 shortlist featured diverse projects including A House at Fairmead by Sergison Bates and Paddington Square by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Other notable contenders were BEAM by Bennetts Associates, Pembroke by Haworth Tompkins, and the River Wing at Clare College. These projects represent the current evolution of architecture within the United Kingdom.
8Legacy of Stirling Winners
Lion Green Road joins a prestigious list of previous winners, including the 2025 recipient Appleby Blue Almshouse and the 2024 winner, The Elizabeth Line. Other recent honorees include The John Morden Centre and The New Library at Magdalene College. The prize continues to recognize buildings that significantly evolve the modern built environment.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Lion Green Road Wins 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize