Gainsborough’s House Museum, in Sudbury, Castle Community Rooms, in Framlingham, and Creek Cabin, in Southwold, shortlisted for RIBA East Awards

Three Suffolk buildings have been shortlisted as among the best new constructions in the Eastern region by a national architecture body.

Gainsborough’s House Museum, in Sudbury, Castle Community Rooms, in Framlingham, and Creek Cabin, in Southwold, have all been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

They will go forward for consideration as the East of England’s best new building, and could also be in the running for national titles, such as the RIBA Sustainability Award or the RIBA Stirling Prize, for the UK’s best new building.

The projects will be visited by a regional jury, with the winners announced later this spring.

Gavin Henderson, jury chair of RIBA East, said: “The diverse range of projects shortlisted this year reflects the breadth of architectural talent and the ambition of clients working across the region.

“It is particularly encouraging to see schemes that embrace high levels of sustainability, while also focusing on enhancing the experience and wellbeing of their occupants.”

Mr Henderson said that, by overcoming contemporary challenges with ingenuity, the buildings create a character of lasting value.

Architects ZMMA extended the Grade I listed Gainsborough’s House Museum, in Gainsborough Street. The entire building was reconfigured in the process.

A new three-storey gallery building was created, giving greater and more modern space to display the larger art works.

Castle Community Rooms, in Church Street, is a multipurpose community building. It replaced the previous 19th century village hall, with James Gorst Architects working alongside the area’s councils and local community to create a valued village asset.

It also has a solid beech sprung dancefloor designed for dancing and yoga classes, while the building’s acoustics were designed to make it suitable for lectures, music and film.

Creek Cabin, by MAP Architecture, sits within the Suffolk Broads. The project aimed to create a sustainable family home with complex detailing and a unique aesthetic.

Developers sought to integrate the building within its surroundings, including finishing it with a living green roof.

The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966.

Seventeen projects were shortlisted in total, encompassing Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.