The annual RIBA Reinvention Award, sponsored by Oscar Acoustics, recognises achievement in the creative reuse of buildings to improve their environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
Diverse in location, scale and purpose, this year's shortlisted projects showcase outstanding architecture alongside sensitive restoration.
Together, they demonstrate how investing in existing buildings can revitalise places, strengthen communities and deliver lasting social, cultural and environmental benefits.
The four shortlisted projects are:
- Edinburgh Futures Institute, by Bennetts Associates - Transformation of a 19th-century hospital into a learning and research centre for Edinburgh University.
- Oru Sutton, by 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, by 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, by 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.
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 Reinvention Award 2026 jury comprised: Hugh Broughton, Director of Hugh Broughton Architects (Chair), Richard Upton, Deputy CEO, Landsec U+I, and Judit Kimpian, Sustainability Advisor and Board Member, Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE)
The Reinvention Award 2026 shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA UK Awards 2026. The winner will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday 15 October 2026 at Old Billingsgate in London.
