The groundbreaking House for Artists in Barking has won a prestigious award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The scheme, designed by Apparata Architects in Manor Park, was built as “affordable housing for creative people”, and is home to 12 artists and their families.

It has won the regional “Client of the Year” title for Barking and Dagenham Council and the east London regional award.

“This is an achievement for a creative space,” deputy council leader Saima Ashraf said. “This vibrant community of brilliant artists is giving back to the community in many ways.”

Artists come up with free creative programmes for schools and the community in exchange for reduced rent, using their glass-walled hall facing onto Linton Road and its outdoor working yard.

Regional winners have been shortlisted for national “awards for architectural excellence” being chosen on June 22.