The Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) just announced the finalist entries of the ‘Northshore, Make Me a Home Competition‘.

Architects from across the world are waiting with baited breath to find out if they have been short-listed for a chance to design the family homes at Tees Valley Regeneration’s flagship scheme on North Shore in Stockton on Tees.

More than 100 entries were received and six finalists hailing from across the globe have been selected. Two practices are from London, together with firms from Liverpool, Italy, Portugal and Germany.

Developers Urban Splash and Muse Developments, in conjunction with BD Magazine and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), held a competition which challenged architects to shape the future of family homes. They were asked for concepts which broke convention and delivered a new typology in housing design.

Submissions were judged on the design of the homes and the layout of the buildings on the site to take full advantage of its south facing position on the banks of the River Tees.

It is anticipated that at least 250 family homes will eventually be built on the £300m North Shore mixed use site and that the development will also provide between 2,500 and 4,600 long term job opportunities.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: ‘To achieve this level of interest in North Shore from architects across the world is fantastic. It is a huge vote of confidence in the scheme and the Tees Valley.’

‘The designs are contemporary, exciting and innovative and will sit comfortably next to the stunning Infinity Bridge which is already showcasing Stockton around the world.’

Matt Crompton, joint managing director of Muse Developments said:  ‘The judges were looking for designs that did justice to the Home Zone’s riverside site, given its proximity to the new Infinity Bridge and the proposed new university campus.  As part of a substantial mixed use scheme, which will include offices and leisure amenities, public space and deliverability were equally important.’

Jonathan Falkingham, chief executive of Urban Splash, said:  ‘We’re questioning the typology of the family home, but at the same time trying to be provocative. We need to make sure that the scheme we choose is deliverable.’

‘We want homes that are practical and functional, not merely architectural showpieces, and we need people to believe they and their families will be happy living here.’

Members of the public can view the six finalists at a free exhibition in the Shambles, Stockton High Street from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 29, 30, 31.   An exhibition of all 112 submissions is taking place at Manchester’s Cube Gallery up to 28 February. Opening times are : Mon–Fri 12-5.30pm and Saturday 12-5.00pm.

The winners will be announced in February.

The six finalists:

K2 Architects, Liverpool:

The concept: A place that encourages families to flourish is characterised by the generous provision of varying scales of external space. Connected public spaces run through the scheme while private terraces and courtyards step around each home. These terraces offer families the capacity to expand.

The judges said: This was seen as a good and dense finger block scheme which created some interesting public spaces, and some elegant contemporary house designs.

Impromptu Arquitectos, Portugal:

The concept: The urban plan proposes the unification of the housing programme as strategy for its integration, adapting to the morphology of the context and emphasising the masterplan guidelines. All houses retake the idea of the interior/exterior/ public/private. Housing typologies determine the facade rhythm.

The judges said: An elegant solution based on a series of courtyards, creating some very pleasant overlooked spaces. The housing typology and the unity of materials were especially liked.

Tasou Associates, London:

The concept: Family houses are arranged along boulevards and grouped around open-sided quadrangles. Both accommodate a mixture of activities, such as playing, parking and landscaping, with streets framing river views. Homes have extensive roof and courtyard gardens and can be extended to grow with the family.

The judges said: The housing typology was liked by the judges, as well as the way in which the plan offered a nice hierarchy of private and public spaces.

Spine Architects, Germany:

The concept: The houses are organised and shaped according to the axis of vision onto the river. In its combination it leads to a surprisingly diversified quarter, with a variety of open public spaces combined with private gardens and, most notably, the promise: all rooms with a view.

The judges said: A strength of this scheme was its integration with the river, with good views given to most residences. The planning seemed good and consistent with the primary idea.

Bertolone Plazzogna, Italy:

The concept: The plan is generated by two basic forms that repeat, creating a vibrating system of aggregation. The shape of the houses opens a wide river view between street axes, while the segmented form creates a more cosy space in the green area: the lively form of the housing creates a familiar space.

The judges said: An original, clever and practical design which creates a lot of variety out of its form. It has good connection to the river and a nice undulating route towards it.

Loates-Taylor Shannon Architects, London:

The concept: Not trying to reinvent the home or the street, just create good ones. Homes that adapt, grow and accommodate the 2.4 family, the in-laws, the gay couple, the bedroom DJ, the nosey neighbour. Streets that allow for journeys with social interaction: neighbours meeting, postmen stopping and children playing.

The judges said: A good simple layout and attractive images. The judges thought this was an exciting and well considered scheme, and potentially a very buildable solution.