The architect of a stables in Teddington has won a prestigious award.

Architecture WK, who converted a historic stables in Teddington into the Riding for Disabled Association (RDA)affiliated Park Lane Stables (PLS), has won a coveted award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which recognises and celebrates the most innovative, sustainable, and high-quality architectural projects across the UK and internationally.

PLS was one of 72 projects shortlisted across London, and one of only 14 in South West London.

Speaking about the award, RIBA said: "Architecture WK's conversion of historic stables into a facility for the Riding for the Disabled Association shows how social impact can be achieved on a small footprint, winning a 2026 UK RIBA London Award."

It added: "Park Lane Stables RDA demonstrates how architecture can deliver profound social impact even at a very small scale.

"An inventive and compassionate conversion of a row of historic stables, Architecture WK's scheme has successfully reclaimed and adapted these modest spaces, transforming them into a facility for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) that serves assisted riding, therapy sessions, and community wellbeing.

"Rather than relying on overt architectural gestures, the project is defined by careful spatial choreography and an intelligent reuse of what already existed.

"This approach allows the building's history to remain legible, while enabling it to function efficiently and comfortably for contemporary use.

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"A key reason for the project's success lies in its deep community roots. Led by a local charity, it was supported by an admirable crowdfunding effort that directly shaped the design outcome. "The jury was particularly impressed by the collective ambition shown by the client, architects, and wider community in bringing the scheme to fruition under extremely constrained circumstances.

"Their sense of shared ownership is embedded within the architecture itself, most notably through the permeable front elevation that blurs the boundary between building and street.

"The stables' openness encourages engagement, enabling passers-by to encounter the horses or pop into the kitchen. This treatment of the life of the building as part of the everyday public realm makes it not just a facility for those living with disabilities or trauma, but also an antidote for loneliness in the wider community.

"Despite its small physical footprint, the project has a wide-reaching impact, significantly enhancing wellbeing for users and their families.

"The client's commitment to inclusivity is clearly realised through the introduction of spacious consultation rooms and Changing Places toilets – which cater to wide-ranging mobility, disability, and caring requirements – all with level access, ensuring that people with complex needs can remain on site comfortably for extended periods.

"Environmental improvement is also thoughtfully addressed. The introduction of insulation and onsite photovoltaic panels has provided a more comfortable and resilient environment while reducing operational impact.

"These interventions are modest but meaningful, reflecting a pragmatic sustainability strategy appropriate to the project's scale and resources."

RIBA praised Park Lane Stables for its open space (Credit: WK Architecture)

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RIBA continued: "Internally, reused materials – including reclaimed brick and timber – add warmth and authenticity while reinforcing a careful stewardship of limited resources.

"Lighting designed to support the wellbeing of horses further evidences the project's attentive, user-led approach.

"Park Lane Stables RDA is a trailblazing example of how social impact can be achieved through collaboration, ingenuity, and determination.

"The project powerfully affirms that meaningful architecture is not defined by scale or budget, but by the positive change it enables – returning a small historic building to life and placing it firmly at the heart of its community."

Leading the team on the project was WK architect Sam Kamleh, who said: "We're absolutely delighted to be one of the winners of the RIBA London Awards!

"To stand shoulder by shoulder with many of the giants in the profession, many of them our teachers and heroes, is an honour.

"It's a reaffirmation that the client - in this case Natalie and the team at Park Lane Stables - are the driver of all good architectural work. Architecture is about creating shelter and place to serve its users' needs, and if it can be done with beauty and elegance and some good detailing intended for durability and sustainability, then it has achieved its purpose."

A PLS spokesperson told Nub News: " I'm absolutely delighted to say that last night Sam Kamleh and her team won a coveted RIBA award for their work on PLS!

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"One of the judges told me that these awards are like gold dust if you're an architect so we are absolutely thrilled for Sam who put her heart and soul into this project.

"Some of the other winning projects are just vast in their size and scope, like the new UCL campus in East London so for PLS to be in that category is just amazing."

Other RIBA London winners include the Natural History Museum and the Courtyard and Pavillion at the OWO in Westminister.

You can see a full list of the winners here.