Sponsored by Oscar Acoustics, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award recognises the creative reuse of buildings to improve their use and sustainability
Four projects appear on the RIBA Reinvention Award 2026 shortlist, demonstrating restoration, as well as environmental, social, and economic sustainability upgrades.
The projects span across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall, and all feature unique aspects qualifying them for the award.
The four projects are:
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Bennetts Associates
Transformation of a 19th-century hospital into a learning and research centre for Edinburgh University.
Oru Sutton, Samuel Chisholm Studio and Takero Shimazaki Architects
Conversion of a redundant department store into flexible, mixed-use commercial spaces in Sutton, South West London.
Space House, Squire & Partners, Atelier Ten, Pell Frischmann, Donald Insall Associates, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Gardiner & Theobold, and BAM
Restoration of a Grade II-listed Modernist icon into a sustainable, contemporary workplace in West London.
The Buttermarket, Architectural Thread
An old Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, transformed into a fully accessible, thriving community hub, bringing together food vendors, artists, small businesses and a diverse programme of community events.
Both Oru Sutton and The Buttermarket have also been nominated for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, which you can learn more about here.
“Ambitious collaboration between architects and clients”
Hugh Broughton, jury chair and director of Hugh Broughton Architects, said: “The RIBA Reinvention Award recognises exceptional achievements in retrofitting existing buildings, returning them to productive use in inventive and joyful ways.
“This year’s shortlist includes the elegant renewal of a Cornish butter market, the imaginative low-budget conversion of a Surrey department store, the sensitive redevelopment of Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary and the exquisite revival of a brutalist tower in central London.
“Despite their geographical and programmatic diversity, these schemes all demonstrate outstanding environmental, social, and economic sustainability, showing how reusing existing buildings not only reduces impact but also unlocks creative opportunities, delivering lasting value through ambitious collaboration between architects and clients.”
Chris Williamson, RIBA president, said: “With growing pressures to reach the government’s net zero targets, the role of retrofit has never been more important. By transforming existing buildings, architects can preserve their history and heritage, reduce environmental impact, and deliver spaces that are fit for the future and meet the needs of the communities they serve.
“Our four shortlisted schemes are inspiring examples of how retrofit can successfully breathe new life into buildings while combining environmental responsibility, innovation and architectural excellence.”
The winner of the Reinvention Award will be announced on 15 October 2026 at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony, Old Billingsgate, London.
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