We’re delighted to announce that Cakeham House has been shortlisted for Home Extension of the Year (up to 2,500 sq ft) at the 2026 British Homes Awards.
A contemporary transformation of a period house
Located in West Wittering, West Sussex, Cakeham House is a contemporary extension and retrofit of a semi-detached cottage, transforming an existing home into a light-filled, spacious and sustainable family house.
The project increased the home from 1,292 sq ft to 2,196 sq ft, replacing a series of fragmented and low-quality additions with a cohesive architectural intervention. Rather than simply extending the existing house, the design rethinks how the home works, improving its relationship with the garden, coastal views and the way our clients wanted to live.
Reimagining how the home connects to the garden
A key part of the design was creating a strong sense of arrival through a new double-height entrance hall, which brings natural light deep into the plan and provides a clear connection between the different spaces. The kitchen, dining and living areas open towards the garden, with generous glazing strengthening the relationship between the interior and the landscape.
Designing for a more sustainable future
The project also demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve a home's environmental performance alongside its architectural quality. The existing structure was retained wherever possible to reduce embodied carbon, while a fabric-first approach helped achieve an EPC B rating. A hybrid structural system combines steel and timber framing, while an air source heat pump and solar PV provide an efficient, fully electric energy system.
“We’re delighted to see Cakeham House shortlisted for Home Extension of the Year at the British Homes Awards. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the project recognised in this way, particularly because it represents so much of what we strive for at Adam Knibb Architects — thoughtful design, sustainable solutions and creating homes that genuinely enhance the way people live.”
— Adam Knibb, Director, Adam Knibb Architects
Recognition for the whole team
The shortlist is a fantastic recognition of the project and of the collaboration between our team, our clients and everyone involved in bringing Cakeham House to life.
We’re looking forward to seeing the results and celebrating alongside the other shortlisted projects.
Congratulations to the whole Cakeham House team!
Read more about Cakeham House in the news.
