Celebrating Excellence in Social Housing: St Andrew's Drive
An inspiring evening in London celebrating the best of UK housing design, as St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 & 3 joined three other outstanding projects on the shortlist for the 2026 RIBA Neave Brown Award for Housing.
We’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted alongside some exceptional housing projects from across the UK, including the project that went on to win the RIBA Stirling Prize.
We believe that good housing should never be defined by tenure or affordability. High-quality social housing is essential to creating places where people can thrive, offering the same consideration, dignity and architectural ambition that should be afforded to every home.
Its success lies not only in the buildings themselves, but in how they support everyday life, encourage social connection and contribute to the character of a neighbourhood over time. St Andrew’s Drive embodies this approach, demonstrating how thoughtful masterplanning, generous shared spaces and carefully considered architecture can create a lasting sense of place.
For jmarchitects, this is why the quality of social housing matters: good design should make a meaningful difference to people’s lives, and that opportunity should be available to everyone.
Designed for Southside Housing Association, St Andrew’s Drive delivers 120 new social homes in Pollokshields, Glasgow. Replacing a former 1960s deck-access block, the development creates a new neighbourhood centred around shared green spaces, sustainable drainage and a strong sense of community.
Reflecting on the award, jmarchitects said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see St Andrew’s Drive receive this recognition. For us, the importance of social housing goes far beyond providing homes; it’s about creating places where people feel a sense of belonging, where communities can flourish and where good design makes a meaningful difference to everyday life."
The RIBA jury described the scheme as “a radical commitment to quality and equality”, recognising the ambition behind a project that places well-designed homes, social interaction and residents’ everyday experience at its heart.
For us, being shortlisted is recognition of the importance of this work and the people behind it. We’re proud to have contributed to a project that demonstrates what can be achieved when architectural ambition and a commitment to social value come together. Our thanks go to Southside Housing Association and the entire project team for their collaboration, dedication and shared belief in the value of good housing design.
Following its success at the 2026 RIAS Awards, this shortlist marks another significant milestone for St Andrew’s Drive. Congratulations to this year’s winner and all the shortlisted teams.
Read more about the project on the RIBA website:
https://www.riba.org/explore/awards/uk-awards/neave-brown-award-for-housing/st-andrews-drive-phases-2-3/
For more information on this project: https://jmarchitects.net/st-andrews-dr-2/
Photography Credit: Keith Hunter Photography
