City of York Council Celebrates Housing Design Awards for Duncombe Square on July 7, 2026

The City of York Council has recently celebrated significant achievements in housing design, winning multiple awards for its innovative projects. The council's first Passivhaus development, Duncombe Square, received three prestigious awards at the York Design Awards, showcasing the commitment to high-quality, sustainable living spaces in the area.

Duncombe Square Awards

On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the winners of the York Design Awards were announced, and Duncombe Square emerged as a standout project. Located in Clifton, this development features 34 homes that are certified under the Passivhaus standard—a design approach that focuses on energy efficiency and comfort. The project was developed in collaboration with local residents and the architectural firm Mikhail Riches, ensuring that the homes meet the needs and preferences of the community. Duncombe Square's impressive accolades include:

• Sustainability Award: This award recognised the council's commitment to net-zero standards, which aim to reduce carbon emissions. The design also includes features that promote sustainable travel and biodiversity.

• Multi-residential Award: This category celebrates projects with multiple homes, and Duncombe Square was honoured for its high-quality design, balance of private and public spaces, and a central green area that enhances community interaction.

• Lord Mayor’s Award: This award, presented by The Lord Mayor of York, recognises an outstanding project that exemplifies excellence in design.

Recognition at the RTPI Awards

In addition to the York Design Awards, the council's Lowfield Green development in Acomb received a Commendation at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 2026 awards, held on Thursday, 2 July. This project was recognised in the Best Homes and Communities Scheme category, further affirming the council's dedication to creating quality housing in York.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, the Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, expressed pride in these achievements:

“Our Housing Delivery Programme has been ambitious from the get-go, and these awards recognise the vision and quality of the housing being created in York to meet residents’ needs and budgets. I’ve watched Duncombe be built and have seen how modern building techniques can produce exceptional homes and transform lives.”

Community Impact

The design and construction of Duncombe Square not only focus on aesthetics but also aim to improve the quality of life for residents. With an emphasis on sustainability, the homes are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing utility bills for families living there.

This is particularly beneficial for social tenants and lower-income households, as highlighted by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells:

“Being zero-carbon in use is resulting in low bills for residents, whilst tackling climate change.”

The project also incorporates elements that promote a green and child-friendly environment.

Sophie Coles, an architect from Mikhail Riches, celebrated the recognition:

“Duncombe Square is a net-zero, child-friendly, green and biodiverse neighbourhood that sets a benchmark for sustainable development.”

This demonstrates a commitment to not only meeting housing needs but also enhancing the overall community experience.