We are proud to share that our recent project – a private chapel in Suffolk – has been shortlisted for the RIBA East Awards 2026. The project is one of just 18 buildings selected across the region – a significant recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
All shortlisted projects will be visited by a regional jury in the coming weeks, with winners announced later this spring. Those selected will then be considered for the RIBA East Special Awards, including the Sustainability Award and Building of the Year, before progressing to the highly regarded RIBA National Awards in the summer. From there, the shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize (the UK’s most prestigious architecture award) will be drawn and announced in September, with the winner revealed in October.
About the project: A contemporary chapel with links to Suffolk’s heritage
Set within the rural Suffolk landscape, the private chapel takes its cue from the county’s coastal history. Its form echoes an upturned fishing boat, complemented by a tapering round tower and finely detailed gables. The design features traditional craftsmanship paired with modern engineering.
Constructed in solid masonry, the external walls feature a combination of locally sourced Norfolk flint with Purbeck, Portland and Clipsham stone. These materials were selected for their durability and regional character, then shaped and laid with exceptional care. The project presented notable technical challenges, including curved stonework and a leaning tower. Hidden stainless-steel supports were introduced to secure the flint at corners, enabling seamless returns while preserving the purity of the design. Each coping stone was cut and calibrated across two planes to follow the chapel’s curved geometry precisely.
The chapel was delivered in collaboration with Matthew Seaborn and Donald Insall Associates, and brought to life by specialist craftspeople from across the UK, including Brown and Ralph Ltd and The Flintman Company.
We are delighted that the project has been recognised by RIBA. The project reflects Whitworth’s commitment to considered design, technical rigour and a respect for local context. We look forward to welcoming the regional jury to Suffolk and to the next stage of the awards process.