The 2026 AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards Shortlist: A Celebration of Architectural Innovation and Sustainability
The AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards, now in its third year, is a prestigious event that showcases the finest examples of architectural excellence in the realm of building renewal and repurposing. This year's shortlist highlights a diverse range of projects, emphasizing the potential of interior architecture, private renovations, and small-scale fit-outs, all while promoting circularity and sustainability.
Fit-out: Redefining Interior Spaces
The Fit-out category showcases projects that transform interior spaces across various sectors, including workplaces, cultural venues, and hospitality, with a focus on circularity. Barr Gazetas' 42 Wigmore Street office refit and Gort Scott's Portman Estate headquarters are among the shortlisted projects, demonstrating the potential of interior architecture to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.
HUT Architecture's design centre for an international wood surfaces manufacturer and Rural Office's restoration of a rural south Wales theatre foyer also make the cut, showcasing the versatility of fit-out projects in different contexts.
Private/Individual Renovation: Redefining Homes
The Private/Individual Renovation category is divided into two value bands, reflecting the diversity of residential entries. The under £800,000 shortlist includes a range of projects, from modest extensions to comprehensive refurbishments, with notable mentions from Theis + Khan Architects, TYPE, and Material Works. T Parsons Design's A-Typical Terrace and Will Gamble Architects' Muttram Veedu are among the standout projects in this category.
In the £800,000 and over bracket, larger-scale home transformations and rural conversions take centre stage. Hayhurst & Co's Hampstead Town House and GS Architecture's Passive House are among the shortlisted projects, showcasing the potential of extensive renovations to create sustainable and functional living spaces.
Project under £800,000: Small-Scale Impact
The Project under £800,000 category celebrates smaller-budget schemes that deliver significant architectural impact. Cultural, educational, and conservation projects sit alongside inventive workplace and residential interventions. The Manser Practice's Goodwood Art Gallery and NOOMA Studio's wellbeing garden for an international school are among the shortlisted projects, demonstrating the potential of innovative design within budget constraints.
A Celebration of Circularity and Sustainability
The 2026 AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards is a testament to the growing importance of circularity and sustainability in architecture. The event, now in its third year, has evolved from the AJ Retrofit Awards to better reflect the expanding scope of retrofit practice, from adaptive reuse to decarbonisation and whole-life carbon reduction.
The shortlist showcases a diverse range of projects, each contributing to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment. The winners will be announced on September 24th at The Troxy, a Grade II-listed Art Deco live events and music hall in east London, further emphasizing the event's commitment to celebrating architectural innovation and sustainability.
