Five Australian projects were shortlisted in the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) International Awards for Excellence 2026.
Fifty-two projects from 18 countries were shortlisted for the awards program, which recognises designs that address global challenges, including climate change, social equity and urban growth.
Awards group chair Neil Gillespie said the program highlights diverse and creative design solutions to global challenges. “These projects show how architects can respond to complex social, cultural and environmental challenges, from revitalising communities and preserving heritage to pioneering sustainable and technologically innovative solutions. They demonstrate the power of architecture to connect people, strengthen identity, and create inclusive, resilient places for future generations.”
Angelo Candalepas and Associates’ projects featured twice in the shortlist. Church of the Living God, a mixed-use building in Sydney comprising a hall for services, community activity spaces and crisis accommodation, was shortlisted in the Community category, while The Porter House Hotel, a restored heritage hotel with a cantilevered residential tower above, appeared on the Mixed-Use shortlist.
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In the House category, Burnt Earth House by Wardle was shortlisted. The multigenerational Anglesea beach house is built almost entirely from terracotta, using fire-resistant bricks. Also shortlisted in the House category is Gold Creek by Steendijk and Glenn Murcutt, a modest 100-square-metre pavilion house in Brisbane that is tucked into its hillside site. The home features screened openings for natural ventilation and ember-resistant Corten roofs.
Darlington Public School by FJC Studio, a Sydney primary school in Sydney with flexible learning spaces, was shortlisted in the Education category. The project was awarded World Building of the Year at the 2024 World Architecture Festival.
The winners of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence will be announced on 11 June 2026.