Outstanding projects shortlisted for 2025 William Sutton Prize

Clarion Housing Group has announced the shortlist for the prestigious William Sutton Prize, spotlighting bold and imaginative solutions to today’s housing and community challenges.

In the Sustainability category, shortlisted projects include cutting-edge proposals such as turning agricultural waste into insulation panels, adaptive heating systems for decarbonisation, and a pioneering model that repurposes overlooked urban spaces into new homes using reclaimed materials.

Meanwhile, five standout initiatives have been selected for the Connected Communities category, developed in partnership with the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art. Highlights include an outdoor gym in Bromley constructed using knives taken off the streets; a youth programme that empowers under-represented 14–16-year-olds in social housing to become environmental leaders and future STEM professionals; and the Neya Project – an AI-powered digital “super-neighbour” designed to strengthen social ties. We look forward to publishing a new Housing LIN guest blog on the latter, written by Harry Hobson, Co-founder and Director of Neighbourly Lab – the organisation behind Neya – who recently spoke at our inaugural inaugural Future Leaders Programme meeting. 

Jeremy Porteus, CEO of the Housing LIN said: 

“The William Sutton Prize continues to inspire the kind of creativity and collaboration we need to tackle the big challenges facing housing and communities today. We’re proud to support and celebrate such forward-thinking ideas!”

Winners will share a funding pot of £125,000, with up to £50,000 awarded in the sustainability category and up to £25,000 in connected communities.

The William Sutton Prize continues to champion fresh thinking that delivers lasting social impact in housing, communities, and sustainability.