A stone-clad residence in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, designed by local architecture firm Izat Arundell, has been awarded the title of the UK’s best new house by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Named Caochan na Creige—which translates as ‘little quiet one by the rock’—the home was conceived to harmonize with its wild surroundings, featuring an exterior clad with blocks of locally sourced Lewisian Gneiss stone.
Situated in a sheltered cove in the Bay of Harris, the house was announced today as the RIBA House of the Year 2025 during the final episode of the Grand Designs House of the Year series.
Selected from a shortlist of seven, the house earned praise from the awards jury for its thoughtful use of materials and ability to withstand the region’s unpredictable weather.
“The selection of Caochan na Creige as the winner was unanimous,” said jury chair David Kohn, founder of London-based David Kohn Architects. “The project addresses every challenge—harsh climate, references to vernacular architecture, and budget constraints—with an exceptional blend of sensitivity and boldness.”
“While modest in scale, the house feels luxurious due to its strong connection with the landscape. Constructed by the owners using hyper-local stone, the design responds thoughtfully to the material’s unique qualities,” he continued. “Its enigmatic form, which evokes the character of castles and defensive buildings, masks its intimate proportions.”
“These qualities make it an exemplary home and a valuable contribution to ongoing conversations about domestic architecture in rural environments.”
The design of Caochan na Creige features an irregular
