A building that redefines arrival to one of London’s busiest transport interchanges, the rejuvenation of an ageing theatre into a thriving community hub, and a restrained yet expressive home nestled on the edge of Epping Forest, are among the six projects shortlisted for the 2026 Stirling Prize.
An innovative approach to high density suburban housing in London and two Cambridge college projects – one a sensitive transformation, the other a welcoming new wing - also feature on the shortlist, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
While 30 years of Stirling Prize shortlisted projects trace a clear evolution in architectural priorities - from the bold and ambitious statements of its early years, through a growing focus on civic purpose, and more recently sustainability, inclusivity and public value – this year’s shortlist demonstrates the remarkable skills, adaptability and range of today’s architect, who are being asked to respond to an increasing complex set of challenges.
Image: BEAM - Hufton Crow
The 2026 shortlist:
A house at Fairmead, High Beach, Epping Forest by Sergison Bates
Set on the edge of Epping Forest, this family home responds sensitively to its rural setting through restrained material choice and a dignified design sensibility. Varied brickwork and windows of differing shapes and sizes appear to dance across the facade, giving the building an expressive form. Considered construction techniques, including insulating clay blocks finished with lime plaster, allow the structure to both release heat gradually – regulating temperature – and reduce noise. Inside, the house is organised around a dramatic 4.5m high living room bathed in natural light, while conventional corridors are replaced with deep openings in thick walls to link each room, creating a sequence of distinct yet interconnected spaces. The architecture is at once domestic, playing a generous and sociable host to the rituals of everyday life yet capable of imagining the milestones that give shape to a year.
BEAM, Hertfordshire, by Bennetts Associates
Located on the banks of the River Lea, this new multi-functional arts venue is an exemplar of intelligent and imaginative civic reuse. Instead of demolishing the ageing 1970s Hertford Theatre, the council-led project retains the original structure, wrapping it in a new striking hexagonal brick form that houses a cinema and events space. Extensive use of cross-laminated timber, an all-electric energy supply and crucially the retention of the original building, establishes BEAM as a compelling model for retrofit. The design carefully and skilfully creates an animated building form that sits comfortably within the historic townscape and yet at the same time signals BEAM’s important civic role. The new form seems to anticipate the drama, materiality and energy of the fine new and rediscovered interiors.
Lion Green Road, by Mary Duggan Architects (design) with RUFF Architects (delivery)
Providing an equal mix of affordable and private housing, Lion Green Road offers 157 dwellings, clustered into five prismatic 13-sided blocks that quietly traverse the green hillside of Coulsdon. A landscape-first approach softens the scheme’s underlying density, with winding paths and generous planting weaving between and connecting together the blocks. Shared communal outdoor areas, from play spaces to quiet seating areas, foster a sense of community. Inside, generous, dual-aspect homes maximise daylight and natural ventilation for residents. The plans both at a site and at an individual flat floor plan levels reveal a skilful resolution of complex geometries. The design offers an innovative and imaginative approach to high density suburban housing.
Paddington Square by Renzo Piano Building Workshop (Paris) in collaboration with Adamson Associates (London)
A long-standing disconnected site has been reimagined with public realm at its heart, creating a welcoming destination for one of London’s busiest transport interchanges. A generous new public square creates space to pause, meet and gather, while step-free routes and intuitive connections make journeys easier and more inclusive for millions of people. Above ground, the building's glass facade acts as a “delicate veil”, shifting between reflective and transparent qualities to give the substantial structure an unexpectedly ethereal presence.
Pembroke, Mill Lane by Haworth Tompkins
The most significant expansion of Pembroke College since the fourteenth century, this sensitive project carefully weaves together new and existing buildings within Cambridge's Historic Core Conservation Area. Six existing buildings have been carefully retrofitted, benefiting from upgraded insulation, improved glazing and enhanced thermal performance, while the six new building employ passive design measures, including triple glazing, exposed thermal mass and photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption.Open-air timber-framed walkways and biodiverse gardens stitch together the old and new sites, helping open up the college to the public and resulting in a campus that balances heritage, sustainability and requirements for modern use. The success of the project lies in the great skill and care taken to navigate the demands of the sensitive historic context with a mind set on the future. There is a sense both of continuity and the contemporary, each are comfortable in the other’s presence.
River Wing, Clare College by Witherford Watson Mann Architects
A new wing for the Grade I-listed Clare College in Cambridge, sensitively transforms a series of underused and undervalued spaces into a warm, informal setting. Constrained site access, highly protected heritage buildings and site with flood and drainage risks have been skilfully navigated to create a beautifully judged dining space for students and staff. Impeccable detailing and a restrained palette of oak, for structure and wall panelling, sit on Purbeck stone floors complementing the building's existing brick walls. There is an obvious respect for the surrounding college buildings. As they unfold towards the river, the new interiors are of rare poetic quality. This work is contemporary in reality yet ancient in its sensibility, a remarkable illustration of the architects art.
RIBA President, Chris Williamson, said: “This year's shortlist shows us what architecture can achieve when creativity, purpose and public value come together. In their distinct ambitions to revitalise communities, transform public infrastructure, deliver exemplary housing, carefully evolve historic institutions and create a thoughtful new home, these projects show that UK architecture is not only defined by style, but by true impact on people and place.
“As the Stirling Prize marks its 30th year, this exceptional shortlist joins a distinguished legacy of projects that represent the very best of British architecture - where ambition, ingenuity and social responsibility combine to create places of lasting value.”
Amy Bunszel, EVP of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Solutions at Autodesk, said: "Congratulations to this year's RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist. As the built environment continues to evolve, it's inspiring to see architecture lead the way in delivering more sustainable, resilient and human-centered outcomes.
“The shortlisted projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can respond to complex challenges while creating places that strengthen the communities around them."
The winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026 will be announced live at London’s Old Billingsgate on 15 October 2025.
