The city of York’s first Passivhaus development, Duncombe Square (which Your Local Link was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at last year), was honoured at the annual York Design Awards this July, where it picked up a trio of awards.
Located just off Burton Stone Lane, the landmark development features 34 high-quality, Passivhaus-certified homes, designed by leading architects Mikhail Riches with the help, suggestions and consultation of local residents. Representing a positive step forward for the city’s net-zero ambitions, the Duncombe Square development picked up a Multi-Residential gong, as well as the Sustainability Award and Lord Mayor’s Award.
The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, said: “Duncombe Square provides much-needed homes for social tenants and lower-income households. Being zero-carbon in use is resulting in low bills for residents, whilst tackling climate change. The high-quality design is exceptional in terms of working well with the local area, blending the open and private outdoor spaces and creating innovative, liveable spaces.”
Sophie Coles, architect at Mikhail Riches, said: “We are thrilled to see Duncombe Square recognised with three wins at the York Design Awards. Congratulations to our clients and the entire project team, whose ambition, collaboration and dedication made these wonderful homes possible. Duncombe Square is a net-zero, child-friendly, green and biodiverse neighbourhood that sets a benchmark for sustainable development.”
Other notable local buildings that were honoured at the 2026 York Design Awards include 99 East Parade and 14 Marygate (Single Dwelling), Rialto House (Multi-Residential), Askham College teaching block (Non-Residential) and 60 Goodramgate (John Shannon Conservation Award). Other winners included 77 Walmgate and the updated Station Hall at the National Railway Museum (Heritage) and Marygate (Young People’s Award), while the newly completed building at 105-110 Micklegate also scooped two accolades (Non-Residential and The York Mix People’s Choice Award). Last month, the city was also awarded another notable accolade at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) awards, when Acomb’s Lowfield Green development won a Commendation in the Best Homes and Communities Scheme category for the Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said: “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.”
Visit www.shapehomesyork.com/DuncombeSquare to learn more about Duncombe Square, or www.yorkdesignawards.org to find out more about the York Design Awards, or fill out an application for the next round of awards.
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