Winners 2026

Islington House is an extension and refurbishment by Hamish Vincent Design with Architecture for London, developing the property's Georgian revival character. The brief called for an open-plan kitchen, dining and reception area, a ground-floor WC and natural materials. A repositioned cantilevered staircase with Douglas fir treads and stone detailing creates a double-height entrance, while an arched doorway continues the architectural language. The loft became a study, with floor levels adjusted within the existing roofline. Limewash finishes, locally sourced bespoke elements, passive ventilation, low-energy fittings and water-saving fixtures informed the specification.

The judges praised this project for its ambition, innovative design language and thoughtful response to a series of architectural challenges. They admired its coherent material palette, strong architectural character and commitment to sustainability, creating a beautiful and highly considered home.
 

A family home in Norfolk designed for everyday living and entertaining, with interiors that connect to the surrounding landscape. Rebecca Hughes Interiors combined natural materials and a countryside-inspired palette with spaces suited to family life and visiting guests. Six bedrooms include a bespoke bunk room with a hidden den, flexible sleeping arrangements and curtains for privacy. Existing kitchen joinery was retained and refreshed, alongside selected furniture. LED lighting, energy-conscious appliances and furniture and artwork sourced from local artisans formed part of the approach to materials and sourcing.

The judges praised this project for its beautifully realised interiors, skilful use of materials, colour and pattern, and strong connection to the surrounding landscape. They admired the exceptional bespoke joinery and warm, inviting atmosphere, creating a characterful home that feels both timeless and full of soul.
 

York City Penthouse is a residential interior by Kudos Interior Design for art collectors, combining everyday living with space to display their collection. Japanese design principles inform a restrained material palette, timber joinery and screening that defines zones while maintaining light and circulation. The layout preserves sightlines towards York Minster, with bespoke joinery integrating storage and display. Ambient, task and accent lighting support domestic use and highlight artwork. Coordination of joinery and lighting addressed the precision required by the scheme, while flexible planning, durable elements and controlled LED lighting support continued use.

The judges praised this project for its beautiful and innovative bespoke joinery, which reflects the client’s love of Japanese design. They admired the carefully considered lighting and distinctive gallery-like character, creating a striking and memorable residence.

Northshore is a new-build family home on Hayling Island by YAM Studios, comprising a main house, beach house and annex overlooking Langstone Harbour. The project evolved from refurbishment after problems in the original building required rebuilding. Interiors accommodate several generations through shared gathering spaces, private retreats, bespoke storage and furniture selected for different ages. Whitewashed timber, textiles and layered lighting soften the large rooms. A half-height timber partition anchors the main bedroom's bed while retaining sea views. Insulation, heat-recovery ventilation, a ground source heat pump and a planted roof form part of the building strategy.

The judges praised this project for its remarkable transformation, exceptional quality of detailing and seamless integration of architecture and interior design. They admired the clean and contemporary aesthetic which suits the generous proportions of the space and commented on the thoughtful use of materials and strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
 

Portobello Road is the refurbishment of a Victorian terrace by Project London, drawing on Japandi and Wabi-Sabi principles. Retained period features and refreshed joinery sit alongside a gym, steam shower, sauna and a study converted into a bar. The reception, bar and extended terrace form a sequence for entertaining, while the gym can become a guest bedroom. Bespoke cabinetry beneath the stairs accommodates chilled and dry wine storage. Terrace alterations required coordination of planning, privacy, drainage and glazing. Original wood flooring and wardrobes were retained, with double glazing introduced to improve thermal performance.

The judges praised this project for its innovative and highly considered response to a challenging property, making exceptional use of space while fulfilling the client’s brief. They admired the beautifully layered palette of materials, colour and texture, along with the outstanding bespoke joinery, creating a stylish and thoughtfully executed family home.
 

Nineteen Wells Street is SODA Studio's transformation of a 1929 Art Deco building in Fitzrovia into a workspace spanning ground and lower ground floors. Commissioned by Great Portland Estates, the scheme provides shared amenities, collaborative settings and areas for focused work. A two-storey bookcase and raspberry-red spiral staircase connect the levels, while lightwells and refurbished pavement lights bring daylight into the lower floor. Glazed partitions, a communal stone worktop and a boardroom accommodate varied activities. Retention of the existing structure, durable materials and references to Fitzrovia's cultural history informed the design.

The judges praised this project for its thoughtful transformation, which retained the building’s original character whilst creating a contemporary working environment. The judges admired the introduction of natural light, the strong spatial planning and attention to detail. They felt it delivered Art Deco aesthetics with a modern twist, as per the brief

Holborn Workplace is MFA Home Design's refurbishment of a 1985 office in Diligent House, Aberdeen, carried out without structural alterations. The scheme reworks underused areas while retaining ceilings, doors, blinds and selected furniture. A collaboration room accommodates desks, hot-desking and a round meeting table within the existing footprint. Bespoke banquette seating, a custom table and metal screens define the breakout area while preserving circulation to the kitchen. An integrated water station reduces clutter, and layered, controllable lighting replaces reliance on sensor-controlled overhead lighting. Natural materials, biophilic elements and adaptable layouts inform the workplace design.

The judges commended this project for its thoughtful transformation of an obsolete building into a calm and highly functional workplace. They admired its considered use of colour and materials, elegant Japanese influences and strong focus on wellbeing, creating a harmonious environment that feels both distinctive and welcoming.

Lumina Learning Global Office is a workplace fit-out by KVIST Interior Design, developed to address poor acoustics and provide settings for different working styles. The design translates the company's colour-based psychometric model into spatial zoning, materials and an informal interior palette. A shared co-working and lunch table provides a social centre, while meeting pods, acoustic treatments and low desk dividers offer separation within the open layout. The scheme works within an existing landlord-built shell and allows expansion into adjoining space. Certified flooring, recycled-content acoustic products and adaptable furniture systems inform the material choices.

The judges praised this project for its successful transformation of an open-plan office into an energetic and collaborative workplace. They admired the thoughtful zoning, confident use of colour and materials, and strong alignment with the client’s needs and brand ethos, creating a cohesive and engaging environment that people genuinely enjoy using.

Greenmeadow Community Farm is an interior refurbishment by Expedite Interiors, adapting historic agricultural buildings for visitors, staff and community groups. Reconfigured layouts improve circulation and accommodate a farm shop and café kitchen, with wayfinding and durable materials supporting daily operations. Former kitchen, scullery, tractor repair and milking spaces were repurposed, retaining features including beams, meat hooks and bread ovens. Design development involved visualisations and workshops to coordinate differing stakeholder priorities around cost, conservation and functionality. Reuse of existing structures and a flexible furnishing strategy underpin the approach to the site's continued operation.

The judges praised this project for its sensitive reimagining of a community space, successfully retaining original features while creating a building fit for the future. They admired the thoughtful approach, strong circular-economy thinking and careful use of a limited budget, delivering a valuable asset for the local community.

Pippa Pop-ins is CDC Studio's refurbishment of a four-storey Victorian building in Holland Park into a nursery for 120 children aged six months to five years. The youngest children occupy the ground floor, with older groups arranged above and activity zones supporting daily routines. Archways, reinterpreted brand stripes and an entrance kitchen establish a consistent interior identity. The works addressed structural problems, basement damp, roofing and fire escape requirements. Upgraded insulation, windows and rooflights accompany five air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, heat-recovery ventilation and controlled LED lighting, replacing the previous gas heating system.

The judges praised this project for its user-centred design, creating a warm, playful and inspiring environment that supports learning, development and wellbeing. They admired the thoughtful spatial planning, bespoke joinery and carefully considered palette of colours and materials, delivering a welcoming and highly successful space full of character and creativity.

GAIL's Fire Station is Reassemble's conversion of a Grade II listed former Metropolitan Fire Brigade headquarters into a neighbourhood bakery. The design prioritises reuse, craft and user comfort, with an open working environment, natural light, ventilation, planting and acoustic panels. Counters, benches and partitions use removable fixings to allow repair, reconfiguration and material recovery. Reclaimed gym flooring, surplus tiles from other bakeries and retained glazing, sanitaryware and panelling reduce demand for new materials. Daylight-controlled lighting and sensor-operated taps support operational efficiency, while collaboration with social enterprises and charities formed part of the project.

The judges praised this project for its thoughtful and holistic approach to sustainability, where environmental responsibility was intrinsically woven into the design. The project shows how life cycle thinking can be integrated into design using the project as a point in time showing clear visuals on the previous life and potential future use of products.  The considered reuse of the existing building, alongside a purposeful approach to materials, shows how sustainable principles can be translated into a space that is both distinctive and commercially relevant.