Grand designs: RIBA judges praise the Tin House in Shepherd’s Bush as 'an unexpected jewel'

An extraordinary house hidden in a former breakers yard "moved, delighted and inspired" inspired Riba judges.

The Tin House, an "unexpected back-land jewel", designed by Henning Stummel for himself and his family, took an unpromising site and transformed it.

The tin-clad buildings are all linked and surround a tranquil courtyard that provides privacy from surrounding houses.

In the courtyard, a shallow pool reflects the light from the metal walls, turning the area into both a bright and calming space.

In the house itself, the judges also singled out the opening roof-lights that bring fresh cool air inside from air cooled over the pool.

They concluded: "The house has a beautiful balance of delight and is obviously an uplifting and practical place to live."

The Riba House of the Year award will be broadcast as part of a special Channel 4 Grand Designs series, presented by Kevin McCloud later in the year.