The shortlist for the RIBA Reinvention Award 2024 has been announced, recognising the most creative reuse of buildings
The Reinvention Award is one of RIBA’s many awards, and recognises and rewards the most creative reuse of buildings in terms of environmental, social, or economic sustainability.
The RIBA Reinvention Award 2024 shortlist
The shortlist is as follows:
- Croft 3 (RIAS) — A ruined rural croft on the Isle of Mull has been modestly yet expertly converted, expanding a busy local restaurant and providing a valuable community space, while meeting the stringent regulations of a National Scenic Area.
- Park Hill Phase 2 — The second phase of an ongoing regeneration of Europe’s largest listed structure which sits on a prominent hillside overlooking Sheffield City Centre. Internal spaces are modernised through open plan designs and the addition of balconies, while thermal imaging has allowed sustainability experts to improve energy efficiency.
- Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings — A full refurbishment of a hugely important historic structure has turned the world’s first iron-frame building, nicknamed the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’ into a new leisure destination with a visitor centre and cafe that embraces its industrial heritage.
- The Parcels Building — An outdated and unsuitable 1957 office and retail building has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable centre for modern workspace and retail. The new façade brings depth and rhythm whilst cleverly negotiating the contrasting scale and character of Oxford Street and Duke Street.
The prize recognises excellence in reuse
RIBA president, Muyiwa Oki, said: “The importance of retrofitting and adaptive re-use cannot be overstated. Not least because most buildings that we will inhabit in the future have already been built. As architects, we are faced with the task of creatively responding to this issue, while balancing the needs of the local community and environment.
“The four shortlisted projects for this year’s Reinvention Award are all inspiring examples of how this can be achieved, with each carefully considering the context of their area, community and environmental needs. Diverse in their approach to reuse, these projects now set a benchmark for future retrofit endeavours.”
