RIBA Unveils Regional Shortlist for 2026 Stirling Prize, Showcasing Architectural Excellence
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has unveiled the first regional shortlist for the 2026 Stirling Prize, a prestigious award recognizing the UK's best new building. This year's selection showcases a diverse range of architectural achievements, from innovative residential developments to educational and arts projects.
Among the standout entries is Witherford Watson Mann, the 2025 Stirling Prize winner for the Appleby Blue almshouse in Southwark. Their latest project, the River Wing at Clare College, Cambridge, an oak-framed addition to a Grade I-listed building, is now in the running for regional recognition. This expansion project, designed by Haworth Tompkins, is another notable entry on the shortlist.
Another notable firm, Alison Brooks Architects, who jointly won the Stirling Prize in 2008, is featured for their net-zero residential development within the 150ha Eddington masterplan in north-west Cambridge. The shortlist also includes BEAM by Bennetts Associates, a new council-funded multi-arts hub in Hertford, and the conversion of a garage into an artist studio by Edward McCann Architects.
RIBA East jury chair Julian de Metz, director at dMFK Architects, praised the region's diverse architecture, stating, 'The East region boasts spectacular architecture at every level, from modest artist studios to major housing, education, and arts projects.' The jury's excitement is palpable as they prepare to visit the shortlisted buildings, judging their architectural greatness.
The regional winners will be announced in spring, followed by the RIBA Special Awards, including Sustainability and Building of the Year prizes. The ultimate prize, the RIBA National Award, will be revealed in the summer. Last year's RIBA East Building of the Year went to Stanton Williams' Young's Court Development at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
The full shortlist for the 2025 RIBA East architecture awards includes:
- A domestic chapel by Matthew Seaborn with the Whitworth Co Partnership and Donald Insall Associates
- A house at Fairmead, High Beach, Epping Forest, by Sergison Bates architects
- Angles House by Beech Architects
- BEAM by Bennetts Associates
- Bodney Beach House by Napier Clarke Architects
- Fiona's Studio by Edward McCann Architects
- Float House by TiggColl
- Foxglove House by Kirkland Fraser Moor
- Haileybury SciTech by Hopkins Architects
- Long Barn by TAS Architects
- More's Meadow by Haysom Ward Miller
- Pembroke, Mill Lane, by Haworth Tompkins
- Prestley Wood Academy by AtkinsRéalis
- River Wing, Clare College, Cambridge, by Witherford Watson Mann Architects
- Rubicon by Alison Brooks Architects
- The Apple House by Okra
- The Drift – Abbots Hall by Leep Architects / Corinna Dean
- TTP Campus by Sheppard Robson
These projects represent the pinnacle of architectural excellence in the East region, and the winners will be celebrated for their innovative designs and contributions to the built environment.
