Lion Green Road in Coulsdon, south London, has been awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026. The 157-home development, designed by Mary Duggan Architects with RUFF Architects, was built for Croydon Council by main contractor CField Construction under a £34m deal.
The scheme's five blocks stand on a former car park on a sloping site that varies in height by eight metres. The layout uses those changing levels and views to create what the jury called a “living landscape” for 635 residents, and forms a new connection between the busy Lion Green Road and an area of green parkland beyond.
What the jury cited
Chris Williamson, RIBA President, said on behalf of the jury that at a time when more homes are urgently needed, Lion Green Road shows density can be achieved without compromising the quality of the places created. A consistent specification with subtle variation in height and orientation, he said, offers housing at scale without uniformity, while the architects had produced “a new kind of garden neighbourhood” balancing privacy and generous views with a strong connection to nature.
He described the scheme as thoughtful, resourceful architecture that proves even the most challenging sites can be transformed into distinctive places for people to call home.
Construction and carbon
Efficient construction methods, simple finishes and a more streamlined building process allowed the project to cut carbon emissions, according to the announcement, which did not disclose quantified figures. The winning entry was commissioned by a local authority and delivered by a main contractor rather than a private developer.