The AJ Small Projects 2026 winners have been announced, and the competition's focus on innovative, low-cost architecture has once again showcased the creativity and ingenuity of emerging practices. The overall winner, a self-build house in Catford, London, by O'Donnell + Tuomey, addresses the national housing crisis and provides a blueprint for affordable family homes in London. This project, a 'terraced house in waiting', impressed judges with its ability to create a family home within a tight budget of up to £399,000. The judges praised its potential to address the housing crisis and its role in creating a framework for affordable housing solutions.
Two projects received Highly Commended awards. The first, Shine a Light on Wilcox Road by NOOMA Studio, is a 'human project' in Lambeth, London, that addresses high street decline and renewal. It uses local people and maintains a realistic budget, making it a strong community-focused design. The second Highly Commended award went to Culmore Fort by Mark Hackett Architect, a project that restored a 15th-century tower house in Derry, Northern Ireland, using local skills and heritage.
The People's Choice Award, voted by readers online, was won by The Big Shed by KAST Architects, which received 31.4% of the votes. This project, a clear winner, showcases the power of community-focused design and the ability to create impactful spaces within limited budgets.
This year's ceremony, held at the newly extended architecture school in Liverpool, marked the first time the awards have taken place outside London. The event celebrated the shortlist of inventive, low-budget architecture through a month-long exhibition, open to students and visitors. The jury included the project architect behind the extension and experts from various fields, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the shortlisted projects.
AJ Small Projects 2026 received over 170 entries, and the shortlist of 20 projects showcased a diverse range of designs, from public realm schemes to home extensions. The awards, now in their 31st year, have become a platform for emerging practices, with previous winners achieving international recognition. The programme's focus on design excellence and limited budgets continues to inspire and challenge the industry.
The full shortlist is available online, and the awards demonstrate that creativity and innovation can thrive within financial constraints. The ceremony, hosted by O'Donnell + Tuomey, celebrated the winners and showcased the potential of architecture to address real-world challenges while pushing the boundaries of design.
