Rocket House shortlisted for RIBA Award
Napper Architects are delighted to announce that our recently completed project, the Rocket House in Northumberland has been shortlisted in the RIBA North East Awards 2025.
The project’s main focus was the sensitive restoration and refurbishment of the existing building which is situated in an exposed, coastal village demanding a sensitive approach. The building is a late 19th century Rocket House, a unique building type built specifically to house lifesaving apparatus which would be used when coastal conditions prevented lifeboats from being deployed. As one of a last few remaining Rocket Houses on the North East coast, the project has been vital in keeping this important piece of local heritage alive. The original Rocket House building has been fully restored, and a 1990s extension, which provided cramped amenity space, adapted by the addition of a new roof structure and window to make this space brighter and more functional. Throughout, the building has been refurbished to provide a contemporary and comfortable place to stay.
“This year’s shortlisted projects are as diverse in typology as they are in scale, from a micro holiday home in a historic building to a distillery/museum to a coastal conservation centre.”
Amy Waite – RIBA North East Jury Chair