A 17th-century farmhouse reinvention, a wellbeing centre for cancer patients, and a temple tucked away in the South Downs National Park are part of a 12-strong shortlist for the 2024 Royal Institute of British Architects South Awards.

The projects, all prized for their architectural distinction, include: Bear’s Reach in Bicester, by Taw Fitzwilliam Architects; Harwell Hide, in Oxford, by Bell Phillips ; and the Cheng Yu Tung Building at prestigious Jesus College in Oxford, by MICA Architects, as well as two others in Oxfordshire.

Nominations also feature projects from Lyndhurst, Reading, Winchester and University of Portsmouth.

RIBA South Jury Chair, Chris Williamson of Weston Williamson + Partners said: "This year’s projects illustrate the positive potential for architecture to support wellbeing, contemplation and spiritual practice.

"There was a fantastic variety of entries; covering large scale refurbished private houses, but also social housing, mixed use, cultural and sports spaces.

"There’s even a folly in the countryside.

"From the incorporation of the surrounding garden and New Forest in a cancer care centre, to the harmonious reorganisation of the New Temple Complex interior and fabric-first approach, the shortlisted buildings champion localism and demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of well-designed buildings.

"Deciding the shortlist was a difficult task as there were a large number of entries emphasising a high standard of architecture across the region.

"I think I can speak for the jury in saying how excited and privileged we are to undertake these visits."

All projects shortlisted for regional awards will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring.

The winners will then be considered for various RIBA Special Awards, which include the Sustainability Award and the Building of the Year, with the victors due to be disclosed in the summer.

Those projects obtaining a National Award will have a chance of winning the Stirling Prize - the highest accolade for the UK's finest new building, with the shortlist and winner set to be announced in September and October, respectively.

RIBA South Jury Chair, Jennifer Dyne, associate of David Kohn Architects said: "From colleges to cottages, the South proves to be ambitious at any scale.

"The shortlisted projects challenge conventions around re-use, materials, context, conservation and typologies, opening up conversations about setting, sustainability, and the stories behind each building.

"These dialogues will no doubt continue as we visit the shortlist – travelling the region visiting houses, halls, and even hides – it should make for a didactic few days."