Three buildings in Kent have been shortlisted for their "ambition and inventiveness" in a national architectural award.

They are among 11 other projects across the south east in the running for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 2025 prize.

One of the nominees is the development in Swanley High Street by architect Bell Phillips.

The mixed-use building is the first stage of a phased regeneration of the town centre commissioned by Sevenoaks council.

Completed in 2023, it incorporates 17 new homes and a business hub and co-working space on the ground floor.

It is said to add to the “activity, vibrancy and economic vitality” of the area.

On the architect’s website, it goes on to say: “The three-storey design is intended to be a contemporary, yet sensitive, intervention into the high street with a palette of materials that echoes the tones of the surrounding buildings and a rhythm that echoes the adjacent shopfronts.”

In Whitstable, a property named the Sea, Sky House has also been recognised.

The sustainable self-build property on the east Kent coast is both low carbon and low energy.

Husband and wife David Liddicoat and Sophie Goldhill founded the architectural company Liddicoat & Goldhill in 2010.

Many of their projects include sensitive restorations and historic structures.

The pair also aim to reclaim and reuse as many materials as possible.

Over on Sheppey, the Sheerness Dockyard Church by Hugh Broughton Architects has been nominated.

The £9.5 million project was funded by a £5.2m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with money from Historic England and numerous supporters.

Gutted by fire in 2001, the Grade II*-listed building has been upgraded with a new roof and interior spaces.

Key elements have been preserved so that visitors can explore the heritage of the church and learn about its role as part of the former Royal dockyard.

The site now has an exhibition area, café, events space and a business hub for young people to help establish financial independence through entrepreneurship.

The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and set the standard for great architecture across the country – no matter the shape, size, budget or location.

Previously, The Hall in Ashford, West Meadow in Dover and The Exchange in Erith, Bexley, scooped up prizes last year.

They were each selected for the accolade after displaying how experts can modify existing homes and build new ones, creating unique places to live.

RIBA South East judge Lisa Shell, director of Lisa Shell Architects, said: “This year’s shortlist showcases an impressive variety of projects, with budgets spanning from the tens of thousands to tens of millions.

“In addition to the broad selection of one-off houses, purposes range from health to education, leisure to culture, and mixed-use, with each project reflecting the architectural ambition and inventiveness of the South East region.

“High-quality residential self-build projects stand alongside inspiring conservation efforts, demonstrating an impressive range of construction and design approaches that thoughtfully respond to today’s challenging climate.”

All shortlisted projects will be visited by a regional jury and the winners will be announced later this spring.

They will then be considered for several special accolades, including the sustainability award and building of the year, as well as the highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be revealed in the summer.

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s best new building – will be drawn from the national award-winning projects and announced in September.

The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.