Projects include the retrofit of a 1930s telephone exchange in Cambridge and conversion of former agricultural buildings at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex
The RIBA has announced the four projects shortlisted for the Reinvention Award 2025, recognising architecture that reuses existing buildings.
Now in its third year, the award is intended to promote retrofitting over demolition, highlighting projects that aim to extend the life and performance of existing structures. The 2025 shortlist includes a mix of civic, workplace and cultural projects, all selected from this year’s RIBA Regional Award winners.
Hugh Broughton Architects’ Sheerness Dockyard Church is shortlisted for its restoration of the fire-damaged Grade II* listed building into a community and co-working venue. Architype’s Entopia Building, a retrofit of a 1930s telephone exchange in Cambridge to meet Passivhaus and BREEAM standards, is also recognised.
Stanton Williams’ transformation of Rhodes House in Oxford is included for its largely below-ground expansion and reorganisation of the listed building. The final project, by Kaner Olette Architects, is the conversion of barns at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex into a café and shop.
Jury chair Julia Barfield, managing director of Marks Barfield Architects, said: “Faced with excellent, diverse entries across sectors, scale, and complexity, the jury had a challenging task. We were looking for exceptional reinvention; regenerative, transformational in form and function, while contributing to society and biodiversity.”
The jury also included Stephanie Crombie, sustainability advisor at Supernatural Studio, Leanne Tritton, lay assessor and founder of Don’t Waste Buildings, and Edward Farleigh-Dastmalchi of fardaa, winner of the 2024 Reinvention Award.
The winner of the 2025 Reinvention Award will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on 16 October.
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