A STRIKING home built for a prominent Oxfordshire family has been shortlisted for a major architectural award.

Tinel House in Charlbury is up for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ prestigious Downland Prize awarded – the only project in the county to have been nominated.

It is owned by Juliette Barrell, a director of historic Witney furniture company Wesley Barrell, and husband Tim Crisp. They share it with children Anna, 18, Dominic, 16, and 14-year-old Luke.

The four-bedroom house, which overlooks Cornbury Park, won a place at the RIBA awards for the South and South East because of its environmentally friendly design.

It is built of traditional Cotswold stone and larch in a semi-circular shape with large south-facing windows to make full use of the sun.

Energy efficiency has been a priority with features such as a ground source heat pump – using the earth’s natural warmth.

Architect Kate Smith, of Charlbury-based McCormick and Smith Architects, said: “They were living in the family’s old converted factory which was old and cold, so they wanted a new home built from scratch which was well insulated.

“It was a pleasure to work with such understanding clients to develop a home in which they intend to live for the rest of their lives.”

Ms Barrell added: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a contemporary home using traditional materials.

“It is a beautiful building, lovely to live in, and we take pleasure from it every day. Kate’s nomination is well deserved and she stands a good chance of winning it.”

The Downland Prize is for projects under £1.5m and the winner will be announced from 19 shortlisted projects on November 9.

Linda Mills, of RIBA, said: “Many of the projects entered for this year’s prize were constructed during the recession for clients who, even though they saw difficult times ahead, had committed to investing in the added and lasting value an architect brings.”