RIBA London Awards Shortlists Diverse Housing Projects
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed its 2026 London Awards shortlist, which includes a wide range of residential projects from council homes to luxury flats. This year's selection places a strong emphasis on climate-consciousness and social value in architectural design. The list highlights emerging trends in urban housing and development.
- This year's shortlist of 72 projects features a notable number of schemes from Morris + Company, which has five projects in the running, followed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) and Howells with three each. - A significant social housing project on the shortlist is Kidbrooke Park Road North in Greenwich, designed by HTA Design. This development is part of one of England's largest new council housing programs and will provide 122 net-zero, affordable council homes in its first phase. - The emphasis on social value is further exemplified by the inclusion of Noele Gordon House in Newham, a project by Mæ for the council. It is the borough's first Independent Living development for those over 55 and includes 75 council homes designed for later living alongside a community health centre. - The shortlist doesn't solely focus on new builds; it also recognizes the retrofitting and enhancement of existing council estates. An example is Rowan Court in Seven Sisters, which demonstrates an alternative to demolishing and rebuilding. - In addition to large-scale developments, the awards recognize innovative smaller housing solutions, such as the "Cold House," a former storage container transformed into a home, and a new-build council house by Sanchez Benton Architects that replaces a leaky 1980s home. - The selection process involves a regional jury visiting all shortlisted projects before the winners are announced in the spring. These London winners will then be considered for RIBA National Awards. - The RIBA National Award winners form the longlist for the highly prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize, which is awarded to the UK's best new building. The Stirling Prize shortlist is announced in September, with the winner revealed in October. - The 2026 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture has been awarded to Irish architect Níall McLaughlin, who has a history of designing acclaimed housing projects, including the Stirling Prize-shortlisted Darbishire Place for the Peabody housing association in 2015.
