Elemental House by Archmongers Named ‘Home of the Year’

by Chris Forsdike

19th February 2025

London’s most inspiring home renovations have been revealed as the winners of Don’t Move, Improve! 2025 are officially announced. Organised by New London Architecture (NLA), the annual competition highlights the city’s most innovative home improvement projects, celebrating both emerging and established architects. This year, the coveted ‘Home of the Year’ award goes to Elemental House by Archmongers, a masterfully reimagined 1970s split-level home in Hackney.

Celebrating Innovation and Craftsmanship

Selected from over 150 entries, Elemental House—designed by Archmongers’ founder Johan Hybschmann and his wife, Anita Freeman—was praised for its seamless integration of modern structural adaptations while maintaining the integrity of its original character. The judges described the project as a “gift that kept on giving,” with thoughtful design surprises around every corner.

The home stands out for its engineering precision, energy efficiency, and creative use of recycled materials, earning it not only the top accolade but also the Materiality & Craftsmanship Prize. The project demonstrates how intelligent design can elevate a home’s sustainability while enhancing everyday living.

A Year of Remarkable Home Transformations

The 2025 Don’t Move, Improve! awards celebrated a diverse range of projects that pushed the boundaries of design, sustainability, and function. Each winning project tells a unique story of how Londoners are reimagining their homes. From compact spaces to grand transformations, this year’s winners reflect the evolving needs of homeowners in the capital.

Nina’s House by Nina+Co with ROAR was recognized with the Environmental Prize, a testament to its commitment to sustainable materials and energy-efficient design. In a striking transformation, Steel House by EBBA Architects claimed the Transformation Prize, blending old and new to create a contemporary space that respects its architectural roots.

For those embracing smaller living spaces, Hartley House by THISS Studio won the Compact Design Prize, proving that smart planning can make the most of any footprint. Meanwhile, Hands-on Home by Natalia Tanko took home the Cost Effective Prize, demonstrating that great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Beyond structural ingenuity, the awards also highlighted craftsmanship and aesthetics. RAW House by O'Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects earned both the Best Interior Design and Best Outdoor Space awards, thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. Kitchens, often the heart of a home, were celebrated with Steel House by EBBA Architects winning Best Kitchen Design for its balance of functionality and beauty.

One of the most anticipated honours, the People’s Choice Award, went to Terzetto by ConForm Architects. Voted for by the public, this project resonated with Londoners for its personal, well-crafted approach to home improvement.

The Experts Behind the Selection

The winners were carefully selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including industry experts such as Anna White (Property & Lifestyle Writer), Ed Jarvis (Urban Design Manager, London Borough of Camden), and Mary Duggan (Founding Director, Mary Duggan Architects). Their selections reflect the best in innovation, sustainability, and design excellence in the city.

Celebrating the Winners at The London Centre

The winners were announced on Wednesday 19 February at a Winners Reception at The London Centre, alongside the launch of the Don’t Move, Improve! 2025 Exhibition, which showcases this year’s shortlisted projects.

For more information on the winners, please visit here.