Mcmullan Studio wins RIBA competition

Mcmullan Studio was founded in November 2018 by ex-Heatherwick Studio senior project leader, Andrew Mcmullan FRSA.

Run by Great Place: Lakes and Dales in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the competition asked for cutting-edge designs for flexible, affordable housing which would attract the under 35s to live in the Lakes and Dales.

Mcmullan Studio won the competition with ‘The Flexstead’, a flexible dwelling inspired by the fluid layout of traditional local farmsteads that will give young people the freedom to create their own rural lifestyle on a budget they can afford. Due to be built in the village of Horton in Ribblesdale, the studio’s design centres round a generous two-storey stone shell with a pitched roof divided in two by a light well that will connect residents to their surroundings. The striking roof will also create a new local landmark visible (and Instagramable) from passing trains and nearby peaks. Inside the double height space, a simple system allows the open-plan space to be adapted to suit the owners’ evolving lifestyle with minimal cost.

Designed with what the studio calls an ‘eco thrifty’ ethos, The Flexstead’s thermally-efficient construction will make it affordable for young people to run - a vital factor given that energy bills are considerably higher in rural areas. To ensure its winning design meets the highest standards of affordability, sustainability and construction, Mcmullan Studio is collaborating with some of the UK’s leading experts.

Andrew commented:

‘The Lakes and Dales is a spectacular place but sadly many young people can’t afford to call it home. The area has 44% fewer 16-34-year-olds than the national average. It’s time for a rural youthquake.

Everyone at Great Place: Lakes and Dales is passionate about encouraging young people to live in the area. We’re excited and humbled they chose our design. We can’t wait to work with them to create a dynamic new generation of rural community.’

Project partners include environmental design consultants and engineers Atelier Ten; construction cost analysts Moulton Taggart; structural engineering consultancy Elliott Wood Partnership, and award-winning landscape design practice Harris Bugg.

For more information on ‘The Flexstead’ design, images and interviews with Andrew Mcmullan please contact [email protected]