RIBA Reinvention Award

The Reinvention Award is a brand new accolade from the Royal Institute of British Architects that recognises achievement in the creative reuse of existing buildings through transformative projects that improve environmental, social, or economic sustainability.

Championed by RIBA President Simon Allford, the Reinvention Award shines a light on the importance of retrofitting and its contribution towards achieving net zero. The four shortlisted buildings are all commended as exceptional examples of creative reuse, but the judges also note that each project demonstrates how innovative architecture can help to address wider societal issues.

The inaugural winner of the Reinvention Award 2023 will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony for the UK’s best new building on Thursday 19 October 2023 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

Eligible projects reused an existing building or structure, supplied carbon and operational energy where applicable, and demonstrated how the project had improved the building or structure by achieving one or more of the sustainable outcomes in RIBA’s Sustainable Outcomes Guide.

In Holborn, London, the refurbishment and extension of a community gym (Great Things Lie Ahead) provides a more visible and accessible community building that facilitates a wider range of cultural, social, and sporting activities.

In Rugby, Warwickshire, the Houlton School scheme sensitively reimagines the iconic Grade II-listed Rugby Radio Station transmitter building and creates three new state-of-the-art school blocks arranged around a central courtyard.

In Hackney, London, the renovation and extension of the Museum of the Home is informed by the rich history of its Grade I-listed alms house buildings and public gardens, providing 80% more exhibition space and 50% more public space.

Wolverhampton’s dilapidated Mitchells & Butlers Brewery, once a major employer in the city, is given new life as a civic building with exemplary design that reflects the site's rich industrial heritage (University of Wolverhampton School of Architecture and the Built Environment). 

Chair: Simon Allford - RIBA President

Marion Baeli - Partner at Studio PDP

Roger Harrabin - Former BBC Energy and Environment Analyst