LONDON.- The Royal Institute of British Architects announced the longlist for the 2015 RIBA Manser Medal, sponsored by specialist insurer Hiscox.

20 remarkable homes, from Somerset to Scotland, are in the running for the prestigious award for the best new house or major extension in the UK.

Highlights include a modern family house created from disused farm buildings in the Scottish Highlands (The Mill), an architect-owned extremely low-energy self-built house on the edge of a Somerset village (Dundon Passivhaus), an unusual house in County Londonderry constructed from four shipping containers with a dramatic first floor cantilever (Grillagh Water House) and a split-level family home on a steep slope in suburban Belfast (House on Church Road).

RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “The longlist for the RIBA Manser Medal reveals the UK’s most ambitious and innovative new homes and highlights the ingenuity of talented architects. With this year’s exciting longlist, the bar for well-designed new homes has clearly been raised.”

Jonathan Manser, of The Manser Practice, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment of clients all over the country in commissioning the design of houses large and small is reflected in this long list. It shows that, at its best, the relationship between architect and client, results in inspiring buildings and beautiful homes. The quality of the houses on the list will make choosing a winner both difficult but rewarding.”

The judges for the 2015 RIBA Manser Medal, sponsored by Hiscox, are Jonathan Manser, Chair of the RIBA Manser Medal jury, James Standen of Hiscox, Chris Loyn, the recipient of the 2014 Manser Medal and Tony Chapman, RIBA Head of Awards.