Who lives in a house like this?

The six finalists of the Young Architect of the Year Award (YAYA) have been announced. The idea of this annual award is to celebrate the most promising architect aged 40 and under, so there's plenty to mull over here. Let's have a look shall we?

AOC was established in 2003 by Tom Coward, Daisy Froud, Vincent Lacovara and Geoff Shearcroft. Interestingly they don't just invent new buildings but also make games and installations for art galleries. This conceptual bent is emphasized by the likes of this design House For A Philosopher (note the the presence of an apple tree; clearly an important addition for the wellbeing of any philosopher).

Meanwhile, pictured below is No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive, a large-scale model constructed to educate people on ways in which they can make their home more green.

And in model form...

Feix & Merlin Architects was co-founded by Julia Fiex and Terek Merlin 2006 after having met while working for Will Alsop. This design – called Eyes Wide Shut – has already won the Bathing Beauties International Design Competition to re-imagine the beach hut for the 21st Century. Don't you just love the sliding one-way mirror door that allows the bather inside to enjoy the beach view, but prevents random nosey passers by from peeking in...?

Hackett Hall McKnight was established in 2005 by Mark Hackett and Alastair Hall when they were joint winners of the second stage of the international competition for the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, and then Ian McKnight joined them in early 2008. Here is their portable, temporary exhibition pavilion (the first installation of the building was in the grounds of Belfast City Hall). Btw their prototype furniture designs on their website are also worth checking out...

Kraus Schoenberg have offices based in London and Konstanz, German. They often work in areas of conservation and/or historic interest, and on the regeneration of buildings. But as you can see, that doesn't mean they're stuck in the past. They aim to create designs that have a coherence with the spatial experience of the landscape. (NB Haus W, pictured, makes me quite dizzy with excitement – Joe).

McChesney Architects was founded in 2001 by Ian McChesney, formerly an associate with John McAsian & Partners. McChesney works largely single handed without partners or permanent staff (who makes his tea?). This pavilion (Avenham Park in Preston) was a prize winner in the RIBA Competition.

Serie Architects is an international practice based in London and Mumbai fascinated by the evolution and mutation of building types in today's cities. This is their design for the Blue Frog Acoustic Lounge and Studios in Mumbai. The cylindrical booths are arranged at various heights so that all seated diners and standing customers can see the stage.