Winner to be announced in October
RIBA has named four projects shortlisted for this year’s Reinvention Award, which recognises achievement in the creative reuse of existing buildings.
The award, chaired by Hugh Broughton, aims to celebrate schemes which have improved a building’s environmental, social or economic sustaiability while exploring new approaches to retrofit which reduce the need for demolition.
The four shortlisted projects includes Bennetts Associates’ Edinburgh Futures Institute, a transformation of a 19th century former hospital into a research centre for Edinburgh University, and Squire & Partners’ refurbishment of the grade II-listed Space House in central London.
Samuel Chisholm Studio and Takero Shimazaki Architects’ Oru Sutton, a conversion of a redundant department store in south west London into mixed-use commercial spaces, has made the list. The scheme is also shortlisted for this year’s Stephen Lawrence Prize, which celebrates early career architects.
And the shortlist is rounded off by The Buttermarket by Architectural Thread, a refurbishment of a market in Cornwall which has been shortlisted for both the Stephen Lawrence Prize and the Conservation Award, which celebrates the restoration of historic sites.
Broughton, jury chair and Director of Hugh Broughton Architects, said: “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.”
RIBA president Chris Williamson added: “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 at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday 15 October 2026 at Old Billingsgate in London.
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