Rio de Janeiro-based architecture firm Carla Juaçaba Studio has been announced as the winner of the AR’s Emerging Architecture Awards 2018. Carla Juaçaba Studio from Brazil received the coveted £10,000 prize last night in Amsterdam. 

The practice presented a selection of projects, including their chapel for the Pavilion of the Holy See at this year’s Venice Biennale and Casa Santa Teresa in Rio de Janiero, at the live judging held at the World Architecture Festival (WAF). 

The Architectural Review's Emerging Architecture Awards for 2018: Carla Juaçaba, Casa Santa Teresa. Image © Federico Cairoli

"Carla Juaçaba proposed something that interests me a lot and which I haven’t seen before. It also means a lot to celebrate the work of a female sole practitioner – it is tough to be a woman in architecture," said Ángela García de Paredes. 

"We were looking for architectural merit, and Carla stands out. This is architecture for me: she is not trying to be anything else," said Gurjit Singh Matharoo. 

"There is thread through all her work: the integration of structure, simplicity and balance," said Ronald Rietveld. 

The practice was selected from a shortlist of 14 by this year’s judging panel, which comprised architects who are all previously commended in the awards: Spanish architect Ángela García de Paredes of Paredes Pedrosa, finalists of the inaugural 1999 AR Emerging Architecture Awards. 

The judging panel applauded the consistency and continuity of Juaçaba’s work, from a simple pavilion to a family house, the tenacity and determination to achieve her vision, and working closely onsite.

The Architectural Review's Emerging Architecture Awards for 2018: Carla Juaçaba, Casa Santa Teresa. Image © Federico Cairoli

Joining the winner, the judges selected two Highly Commended practices: Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter from Denmark and Yu Momoeda Architecture Office from Japan. Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter presented a selection of projects including their work in the Tipperne nature reserve and the Skjern River pumping stations, both in Denmark, and Yu Momoeda Architecture Office was highly commended for the Four Funeral Houses and Sakura Passage ceremony hall, both in Japan. 

The judges’ praised Johansen Skovsted’s sensitive approach to landscape and their thoughtful transformation of existing buildings and highlighted the way Yu Momoeda created atmospheric spaces, observing the surroundings and translating this essence into his built work. 

The Architectural Review's Highly Commended Award: Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter, Tipperne. Image © Rasmus Norlander

Both Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter and Yu Momoeda Architecture Office were also shortlisted in last year’s Emerging Architecture awards.cture awards; Indian architect Gurjit Singh Matharoo commended in the 2009 edition; and Ronald Rietveld of Dutch practice RAAAF, winners in 2013.

In addition to the winning and highly commended projects selected by the panel of judges, this year we have introduced the Peter Davey Prize – a prize awarded to the editors’ choice, celebrating the twentieth edition of Emerging Architecture – which this year is awarded to Aulets Arquitectes from Mallorca, Spain. 

The AR's Emerging Architecture Awards, Highly Commended: Yu Momoeda Architecture Office's Four Funeral Houses. Image © Yashiro Photo

Aulets presented a body of work including the Plà i Llevan oenological station and the Arimunani School, both in Mallorca. The prize commemorates the AR’s 11th and second longest-serving Editor, Peter Davey, who founded the AR Emerging Architecture awards in 1999 and sadly passed away earlier this year.

The AR editors’ recognised Aulets’ commitment to sustainability, both of the environment and the local heritage of Mallorca, using local materials, resources and technology – a commitment which Peter Davey felt was of great importance.

Top image: The Architectural Review's Emerging Architecture Awards for 2018: Carla Juaçaba, Casa Santa Teresa. Image © Federico Cairoli 

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