Rubicon wins RIBA East award

Alison Brooks Architects have won a RIBA East 2026 award for their design of Rubicon, a 186-home scheme at the southern gateway of Eddington.

The jury citation included the following comments:

“Rubicon is an outstanding example of architectural vision held firm through the complexities of a construction process led by the contractor.

“The jury was struck by how rigorously both architect and client stewarded the project’s core design ambitions, protecting qualities that are often the first casualties of contractor-driven delivery. The result is a residential development of distinction, impeccably detailed and executed, and spatially generous, establishing a defined, quality new edge to the Eddington neighbourhood.”

Rubicon, the 186-home development at the southern entrance of Eddington was designed for the Hill Group and the University of Cambridge. Accommodating University staff members and the wider community, the net-zero scheme integrates cycling, homeworking, community spaces and landscape, while meeting high environmental performance aligned to the vision for the North West Cambridge development.

The development comprises five interlocking buildings that use hand‑glazed bricks, curved corners and distinctive roof forms to create a cohesive identity within the Cambridge context. Courtyards link urban and landscaped areas, reflecting the site’s position at the city’s edge. Inspired by historic mill forms and combining loft‑style layouts with collegiate courts, the scheme showcases a contemporary model for high‑density, low‑rise living focused on community.

Congratulations to Alison Brooks Architects, The Hill Group and the teams who worked to deliver an exceptional part of the Eddington neighbourhood.

Read the full citation by RIBA here.