The 2026 AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards Shortlist: A Celebration of Architectural Innovation
The 2026 AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards shortlist showcases a diverse range of projects that exemplify the art of adaptive reuse, blending architectural innovation with the preservation of existing structures. This year's awards, now in their fifth iteration, recognize the transformative potential of repurposing buildings, from mixed-use developments to residential spaces, while also addressing sustainability and decarbonization.
One notable project is the V&A East Storehouse by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, a high-profile opening last year in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This project exemplifies the fusion of retrofit and change of use, earning its place in the mixed-use shortlist. The awards also highlight the importance of adaptive reuse in the office sector, with two distinct price brackets to accommodate the high volume of entries.
In the under £10 million category, Project 3 Architects' retrofit of two Victorian market halls in Manchester stands out. This project, featured in the Architects Journal's Manchester issue, showcases the potential for adaptive reuse in historic buildings. Meanwhile, Hodder + Partners' No 1 St Michael's, also from the Manchester issue, is in the £10 million and over category, demonstrating the versatility of adaptive reuse across different scales.
The adaptive reuse into other category showcases a variety of innovative projects. John Puttick Associates' conversion of listed Grimsby warehouses into a youth club, CarverHaggard's decarbonization of a 1990s Bankside office building, and Studio DERA's transformation of a former swimming pool into a learning space are all notable mentions. These projects not only demonstrate the adaptability of spaces but also address important environmental considerations.
Residential projects in the shortlist are equally impressive. shedkm's Zodiac House in Croydon stands out as a remarkable transformation of a 1960s concrete complex into 73 homes for families at risk. This project, featured in the Architects Journal and Architects Action for Affordable Housing's Good Homes for All publication, highlights the potential for adaptive reuse in addressing housing needs.
The awards themselves have evolved from the AJ Retrofit Awards to better reflect the expanding scope of retrofit practice. The 2026 edition includes a diverse jury of experts, including net zero carbon manager Tania Jennings, Max Fordham partner and director of sustainability Hero Bennett, and associate professor of the London School of Architecture Ruth Lang. This esteemed panel will evaluate the shortlisted projects, which total over 110 entries, in virtual sessions, ensuring a thorough and fair assessment.
The winners will be announced at the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards on September 24th at The Troxy, a Grade II-listed Art Deco venue in east London. This event promises to be a celebration of architectural excellence, with keynote speeches from industry leaders Shelley McNamara and Reinier de Graaf, further emphasizing the importance of circular and adaptive reuse in the built environment.
As the shortlist reveals a wide array of innovative projects, it becomes evident that adaptive reuse is not just about preserving buildings but also about creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The 2026 AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards shortlist serves as a testament to the power of architectural creativity and the potential for positive change through adaptive reuse.
