The competition – now in its eighth year – seeks proposals for an installation suitable for a future post-AI era ‘in which craftsmanship finds a bigger place in the skill set of architects and re-use of materials becomes routine’.
Proposals may bid for one of two sites – the Hoxton Docks complex on the Regent’s Canal at Columbia and Brunswick Wharf in Hackney or the land on Page’s Walk in Southwark formerly occupied by a Soviet T-34 tank.
Last year’s winner was a laminated plywood structure called Moonument, designed by George Gil in collaboration with the Redundant Architects Recreation Association.
According to the brief: ‘Antepavilion’s mission has always been to promote the place of grass-roots, self-build architecture and artistic free expression as a counterpoint to system-build, battery-farm architecture and building in cities. To defend its place as a career option for young architects: a place alongside craftsmen and artists. An alternative to the big architecture factories in which so many architects in Britain find themselves trapped.
But there are possible rays of hope in the coming changes to the labour market now being so confidently anticipated through the emergence of AI. There is no reason to think the swathes of middle-class occupations that seem set to be done better by machines will exclude factory architecture. So architects may yet be driven back to their historically closer connection with craftsmanship and hands-on construction to survive as a productive sector of the labour market.
‘History may turn out to be on Antepavilion’s side. This year’s brief is a vigorous nod to that possibility. For Antepavilion 2026 only reclaimed materials will be available to entrants to work with. For as long as the competition has been running the use of reclaimed materials has been encouraged. That encouragement has not been wholly disregarded by any of the winners. But neither has it been taken close to is logical conclusion: nothing new.’
The two-storey 1960s Columbia Wharf and its neighbour Brunswick Wharf stand on a stretch of canal-side site that was originally home to the Gas Light and Coke Company. It was transformed into the Hoxton Docks artist studios more than 30 years ago. The complex, at 53-55 Laburnum Street, overlooks Haggerston Baths and BDP’s 2008 Bridge Academy.
Previous Antepavilion installations to occupy the site include Flood House by Matthew Butcher, Potemkin Theatre by Maich Swift Architects, and All Along the Watchtower by Project Bunny Rabbit.
The 2024 edition of the annual £25,000 project, backed by historic regeneration specialist Shiva, focused on transforming land formerly occupied by a Soviet T-34 tank in Southwark. It was won by Good Shape.
The 2025 edition returned to its original Hoxton Docks home following a legal battle between the client and Hackney Council. The council had previously won an injunction requiring the removal of 2020’s winning scheme: a series of floating sharks by architect Jaimie Shorten.
For the 2026 edition the reuse of existing construction materials is required – including scrap steel, reusable masonry, double-glazed units, recycled Tetra Pak sheeting and a large quantity of reclaimed Red Louro lath cladding stored at Hoxton Docks.
Applications should include two A3-sized boards along with a project title and team details. Site tours will be held on 1 February, 14 February, 1 March and 14 March. A £20 registration fee is also required.
During the competition’s second phase, up to five shortlisted teams will receive structural engineer support and a £500 bursary to develop their scheme’s realisation and construction strategy.
The overall winner, to be announced in April, will receive a £10,000 prize and £5,000 to cover ancillary costs such as fixings, adhesives, cement, tools and other recycled materials. The installation is to be completed by 1 August.
Competition details
Project title Antepavilion 2026
Client Shiva
Contract value up to £15,000
First round deadline 27 March
Restrictions TBC
More information https://www.antepavilion.org/2026