The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026 has been published, with six projects named as contenders for what the Royal Institute of British Architects describes as the country’s leading award for the best new building. The winner will be revealed in October.
What’s on the list
The institute says the entries this year underline themes of rejuvenation, retrofit, new homes and improved sustainability. The full list contains six schemes; RIBA’s published notes include detailed descriptions of at least two of the shortlisted projects:
- A house at Fairmead, High Beach — by Sergison Bates. RIBA highlights a restrained brick exterior, varied window forms and construction techniques such as insulating clay blocks finished with lime plaster that help regulate temperature and reduce noise. Internally the design is organised around a dramatic 4.5m-high living room, with deep wall openings in place of conventional corridors.
- BEAM, Hertfordshire — by Bennetts Associates. Sited on the banks of the River Lea, BEAM is a civic retrofit that retains the shell of the 1970s Hertford Theatre and wraps it in a new hexagonal brick form, creating spaces for cinema and events. The project employs cross-laminated timber, an all-electric energy supply and emphasises the reuse of the existing building.
Why the shortlist matters
Although the prize carries the Stirling name, the longlist and shortlist spotlight work across the UK and often provoke debate about the balance between architectural ambition and broader public purpose. This year’s entries, as described by RIBA, point to a mix of private and civic commissions, and to an interest in both conservation-led retrofit and high-spec new build.
"The RIBA Stirling Prize for 2026 sees projects rejuvenating buildings, creating new homes and hubs, and improving sustainability."
For readers in Stirling, the shortlist is an annual reminder of how architecture is discussed at national level — not only in terms of aesthetic merit but also in how buildings respond to climate performance, community use and the retention of existing structures. The BEAM entry, in particular, offers a practical example of retrofit rather than demolition, a debate that resonates in towns and cities across Scotland where councils, community groups and developers weigh the costs and benefits of replacement versus reuse.
Details and next steps
RIBA will announce the Stirling Prize winner in October. In the meantime, the shortlisted projects will typically be showcased in RIBA publicity and toured by judges and press, generating further commentary from architects, heritage bodies and local authorities. The institute’s descriptions provide technical and design detail for the entries it has chosen to highlight, and further information on the remaining shortlisted schemes will be published by RIBA in the coming weeks.
| Known shortlisted project | Architect | Location |
|---|---|---|
| A house at Fairmead, High Beach | Sergison Bates | High Beach, Epping Forest |
| BEAM | Bennetts Associates | Hertfordshire (River Lea) |
InfoRadar will follow up with coverage when RIBA publishes the full shortlist details for all six projects and again when the winner is announced in October. The Stirling Prize continues to be a focal point for conversations about how the built environment is shaped and celebrated across the UK.
