Tottenham home named 'House of the Year' by RIBA

The house is tucked away down an alleyway in Tottenham

A new build in Tottenham has won the annual House of the Year Award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The five-bedroom property was described by judges as a "domestic greenhouse".

The owners use the space and ceiling height to host photoshoots and as a stage for children's drama performances.

The judging panel said the house was "built on a very tight budget", but the final cost was not made public.

Chairwoman of the jury Dido Milne, a director at CSK Architects, said: "Green House, affectionately known as the Tottenham Riad, is a true oasis within the city. It is both airy and cosy, bold yet respectful of its neighbours.

"Your eye is simultaneously drawn upwards to open sky, and down and out across the living room to verdant greenery."

"The Green House" was hailed a "true oasis" in London

The architects, Hayhurst & Co, said the new timber walls hold 39 tonnes of sequestered carbon, reclaimed concrete blocks and recycled cork rubber flooring. RIBA praised the design as being energy efficient.

The owners have also installed air-source heat pumps and solar panels.

Ms Milne said: "Nowhere do you feel the site or budget was restricted. It feels luxurious, homely, deeply private and relaxing."

Located in the Clyde Circus Conservation Area, the detached house also has a roof terrace and surrounding greenery, as well as roof-lights in the atrium.

The home beat a RIBA shortlist which included a renovated Devonshire cow shed, from David Kohn Architects, which featured lights once used to warm calves, and a fortress-like home on the banks of Loch Awe in Scotland from architects Denizen Works.

The award, established in 2013, is presented to the best new architect-designed house or extension in the UK.

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