Six projects make 2026 Stirling Prize shortlist for UK’s best new building

The Royal Institute of British Architects has unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 Stirling Prize. The annual prize, arguably the most acclaimed in the UK, is intended “to find the UK’s best building.”

The shortlist, chosen from winners of the RIBA National Awards reported by Archinect earlier in July, was judged against a range of criteria including design vision, innovation and originality, accessibility and sustainability, how fit the building is for its purpose, the level of client satisfaction, and the building’s “capacity to stimulate, engage, and delight occupants and visitors.”

The winning project will be revealed on October 15th. In the meantime, the six shortlisted projects are outlined below. You can compare the most recent selection with that of previous years by reviewing our ongoing coverage of the award here.

A house at Fairmead, High Beach, Epping Forest by Sergison Bates