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The Stirling Prize is, for those not in-the-know, essentially an award for the best new building in the UK. Dished out yearly by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), it aims to celebrate all kinds of new projects across the country, whether that’s a skyscraper, office block, care home or renovation. It’s widely seen as Britain’s most prestigious architecture dong.
Most years London does well in the Stirling Prize – in fact, just last year the capital’s Elizabeth line won it. And the capital is very much in contention to win in 2025, too. In a shortlist announced yesterday (September 3), four of this year’s six Stirling Prize finalists are in the capital. The shortlist follows RIBA’s London Awards, which were given to eight projects across the city back in July.
As is often the nature of the Stirling Prize, London’s finalists are an eclectic bunch. They range from a university building and Japanese-inspired home to Big Ben. Yep, the Big Ben – here’s the lowdown.
London buildings in the 2025 Stirling Prize shortlist
Elizabeth Tower
Now, the tower than houses Big Ben isn’t new, obviously – but it was recently thoroughly restored by Purcell. Back in 2022 the tower had a glow-up of its outside, though Purcell recently also led work of its lower levels. Stonework was repaired, rooms were refurbed, and a passenger lift was installed. The conservation project was called the tower’s most extensive in its 160-year history.
London College of Fashion
The new home of London College of Fashion in Stratford’s Olympic Park features flexible teaching and study spaces, and it’s billed as the tallest higher education building in the UK. The project is by Allies and Morrison, a firm which has been nominated for the Stirling on three previous occasions but hasn’t yet won.
Niwa House
A derelict site behind terraces in East Dulwich has been transformed into Niwa House, a timber and stone structure inspired by Japanese gardens. It was designed by Takero Shimazaki Architects and, well, it gives us serious home envy.
Appleby Blues Almshouse
A new almshouse – housing for those that can’t afford it – for older people in Bermondsey has also been nominated for the Stirling Prize this year. Designed by Witherford Watson Mann for near-500-year-old organisation United St Saviour’s Charity, it features 59 apartments and shared facilities and has been described as an ‘almshouse for the 21st century’.
The winner of the 2025 Stirling Prize will be announced at a ceremony at the Roundhouse in Camden on October 16.
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