Murphy House in Edinburgh revealed as RIBA House of the Year 2016
Whimsical new-build crowned RIBA 2016 winner
Congratulations to Richard Murphy Architects, who scooped the top prize in this year’s RIBA House of the Year.
The five-level Murphy house has a footprint of only 60 sqm, but includes three bedrooms, a living/dining/kitchen area, a study, basement storage, garage and roof terrace.
It cleverly demonstrates how contemporary design can play a role in historic places, in this case creating a visual bookend to the junction of two streets in the heart of a conservative sandstone terraced street in Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed New Town.
Murphy House by Richard Murphy Architects. Photo: Keith Hunter
‘The Murphy House is this year’s best example of how to overcome challenging constraints to build a stunning house,’ says Jane Duncan, president of RIBA.
‘Nearly a decade in the making, this house is a true labour of love for Richard. Part jigsaw puzzle, with its hidden and unexpected spaces, and part Wallace and Gromit with its moving pieces and disappearing walls, this is a model house of pure perfection and a worthy winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2016.’
Built on an awkward plot at the end of a terrace, Richard Murphy has designed for himself a deeply personal space filled with tricks, surprises and references to his own design heroes.
From a hidden bath in the master bedroom and a folding corner wall, to sliding bookshelf ladders that glide around the subterranean library, this house is filled with a unique and spirited charm.
‘We celebrated our 25th birthday last month, and to receive this award is a wonderful present,’ says designer Richard Murphy. ‘It’s been a huge pleasure to develop a lifetime’s themes and now it gives me great pleasure to live there.’
The RIBA House of the Year is sponsored by Hiscox Home Insurance and Paint and Paper Library.
