Judges of the Daylight from Above Awards, organised by VELUX in partnership with the RIBA Journal, were looking for projects that used natural light to the benefit both of architecture and of people using it
‘Of all of the entries, this one best used light as a material.’ So said judge Gianni Botsford of Casa Bassa, one of the winners of the 2025 Daylight from Above Awards, organised by VELUX in partnership with the RIBA Journal.
That was just the sort of quality the judges were looking for in this competition, which celebrates the role that natural light can play as an integral part of a successful design concept.
Awards were made in two categories, with most of the entries in the Light, Space and Atmosphere category for residential projects. In this section, judges were looking for ‘the skilful use of daylight to enrich both the architecture of a building and life within’. This includes consideration of how toplight can be used to enhance comfort, and management of the energy impacts of natural light and solar gain. They were also looking for intentional use of this light; seemingly wilful, irregular rooflight positioning, for example, did not impress the panel.
Several of the entries demonstrated dramatic use of toplight as part of a funnel-effect pyramidal roof central to the design. The resulting effect varied according to the materials this was combined with, including the effective use of CLT for a therapeutic residential setting. According to judge Deniz Beck, this created ‘a really lovely nurturing environment with the light coming from above’.
This proved equally effective in other entries with light funnelled onto bright white surfaces and bounced around the room, or in combination with corrugated-effect walls, as at Casa Bassa. A new-build rural house was appreciated for its subtle use of toplight in combination with textured clay plaster walls, praised by judge Percy Weston as ‘pared back and sophisticated’. Panel chair Chris Foges added: ‘You’re seeing the effect of light rather than the source of light – it’s very deliberate.’
Manipulation of toplight
Judges were also interested in other ways daylighting could be harnessed to create what Botsford termed ‘pockets of interest’. This could be manipulation of toplight to give interesting shadows and a pleasant ambience, or to curate views while protecting privacy.
Sometimes well-designed toplighting enabled better use, as in the redesign of a London loft which transformed a previously unsuccessful conversion as well as improving its energy efficiency. This ambition particularly impressed judge Richard Williams of VELUX, who appreciated the use of new daylighting to address not only energy consumption but health and wellbeing. Other projects demonstrated use of toplight to unlock the potential of a deep site. One unusual project created a glass atrium that brought light all the way down through a three-storey North London house.
But there was a clear winner in the Light, Space and Atmosphere category – Casa Bassa, designed by by Francesco Pierazzi Architects – which impressed every one of the judges and was, as Botsford said, ‘all about the light’.
Sensitive use of conservation rooflights
In the Heritage Conservation category, judges were interested in projects that demonstrated a considered response to the architectural character of the building and its local context, and that used natural light to enhance appreciation of the existing structure.
There were two particularly strong contenders – Rolfe Kentish Architect’s Trewarveneth Studios in Newlyn, Cornwall, and Lower Paradise Mill in Macclesfield by Cymes Conservation. The latter was the unanimous winner, impressing judges with its well-judged replacement of the former silk mill’s 26 roof windows.
‘The sensitive introduction of conservation rooflights has revived the building’s historic relationship with natural light,’ said Beck, who particularly liked how the new windows are, like the originals, fitted flush with the slate roof.
Both category winners receive a £5,000 prize, with £1,500 each for four other commended entries.
'At VELUX, we believe daylight is fundamental to great architecture, shaping spaces that enhance wellbeing, energy efficiency, and visual comfort,' said Richard Williams, senior architectural development manager at VELUX.
'We are committed to supporting architects in realising their vision through intelligent daylighting solutions. Our innovative products expand the possibilities for integrating natural light into both contemporary and historic buildings, ensuring a seamless balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
'This dedication to daylighting excellence is why we proudly support the Daylight from Above Awards,' Williams added.
'Recognising and celebrating outstanding projects that push the boundaries of daylight design aligns with our mission to inspire and enable architects to create better living and working environments. By championing exceptional projects, we highlight the transformative power of natural light and encourage innovation in the field. Through these awards, we continue to foster a dialogue around high-quality daylighting, reinforcing its role as a key element in architectural success.
Jury
- Deniz Beck: Conservation architect, founder of Deniz Beck Partners and the Sustainable Conservation Trust
- Gianni Botsford: Director and head of design at Gianni Botsford Architects
- Percy Weston: Architect and co-founder of Surman Weston
- Richard Williams: Senior architectural development manager at VELUX
- Chris Foges: Contributing editor, RIBAJ (chair)
See all winners and commended entries
- Light, Space and Atmosphere winner: Casa Bassa, by Francesco Pierazzi Architects
- Light, Space and Atmosphere commended: House in a Barn, by Artel 31
- Light, Space and Atmosphere commended: Discovered House, by Robert Dye Architects
- Heritage Conservation winner: Lower Paradise Mill, by Cymes Conservation
- Heritage Conservation commended: Trewarveneth Studios, by Rolfe Kentish Architect
- Heritage Conservation commended: Polkirt Hill, by Rowett Architecture