Entertainment · Books & Arts · 12 hrs ago
Lion Green Road council housing wins 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize
Lion Green Road in Coulsdon, south London, won the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture.
Designed by Mary Duggan Architects with RUFFARCHITECTS for Croydon Council, the development contains 157 homes across five blocks.
The original brief called for 80 homes, and the design fits the larger number onto a steep, tree-covered site.
Its layout includes balconies, play areas, allotments and a public route, while keeping mature trees and woodland.
The judges said it showed more homes can be built without sacrificing quality.
It is only the second council-housing project to win the prize, following Goldsmith Street in Norwich in 2019.
The win puts council-led housing design in the spotlight as the UK seeks to build more homes.
Lion Green Road, a council housing complex in Coulsdon, south London, won the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize.
Designed by Mary Duggan Architects with RUFFARCHITECTS, it contains 157 homes across five blocks.
The homes are split equally between private ownership and social rent, and the complex can accommodate up to 635 residents.
The design follows the sloping site and includes balconies, play areas, sensory trails and residents’ allotments.
The project beat shortlisted buildings including two projects at the University of Cambridge.
- Who
- Lion Green Road, designed by Mary Duggan Architects with RUFFARCHITECTS for Croydon Council.
- What
- It won the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture.
- When
- It was announced as the winner on Thursday evening, 15 October 2026.
- Where
- Coulsdon, south London.
- Why
- The jury praised its approach to housing at scale, saying density could be achieved without compromising quality.
Local planning objectors
Lion Green Road’s supporters
Planning concerns
Local planning objectors
The application received 257 objections, mostly about the loss of parking.
Lion Green Road’s supporters
The project was designed to fit 157 homes on the site while retaining greenery, views, public access and parking.
Housing design
Local planning objectors
Not stated.
Lion Green Road’s supporters
The architects said the design supports privacy, shared space and a strong connection to nature.
The planning application for Lion Green Road was submitted and received 18 letters of support and 257 objections.
Croydon Council’s housebuilding company, Brick by Brick, was halted after the council went bankrupt.
Lion Green Road was announced as the winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize.
- Homes
- 157, split equally between privately owned and socially rented homes
- Buildings
- Five prismatic 13-sided blocks
- Capacity
- Up to 635 residents
- Site
- Coulsdon, south London
- Award
- 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize
3 sources
What people are saying
Lion Green Road shows that density can be achieved without compromising the quality of the places we create.
We really pushed against the suburban model of terraces dominated by cars, with little front and back gardens.
Brick by Brick was an amazing client.