The heritage-led regeneration project within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Redruth, Cornwall, was praised by juries as a ‘deeply considered act of continuity’ and ‘conservation with innovative design’.

Led by project architect Jen Boddington, Architectural Thread has transformed a Grade II-listed building and market courtyard into an accessible space for the local community.

The 2026 Stephen Lawrence Prize jury recognised early-career architect Boddington for leading the work on the £3.4 million project.

In its 28th year, the award was established in memory of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager and aspiring architect who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993. The award aims to inspire others in the early stages of their professional career.

The shortlist for the award included the Apple House by Okra and its project architect, Ben Stuart-Smith, and Walled Garden, Auckland Castle, by MawsonKerr Architects, with Nita Kidd as project architect.

Also in the running was was Oru Sutton, by Takero Shimazaki Architects and Samuel Chisholm Studio with Maija Viksne as project architect.

Rounding out the list was Notting Hill and Ealing High School Junior School by Hawkins\Brown and its project architect, Justin Bean; and Park Lane Stables RDA, by Architecture WK’s project architect, Damian Jakubek.

Jury chair Matthew Goldschmied, managing trustee at the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: ‘The Buttermarket is a compelling story of trust and interdependency evolved through architectural ingenuity.

‘Trusting that their buildings contained the potential to elicit renewed civic pride, Redruth Revival (CIC) needed an architect to inspire a connected community again within new shared spaces.

‘Although new to the challenge, Jen Boddington embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm and courage, drawing on diligence, determination and creativity to deliver a remarkable result.’

This year’s jury also included Stephen Lawrence’s mother, Doreen Lawrence; Edem Torsutse, student juror, University of Greenwich; and Alex Spicer, a director of Matthew Lloyd Architects and winner of last year’s Stephen Lawrence Prize.

The Buttermarket, by Architectural Thread

Source: Claire Fear Press

The Buttermarket also scooped the RIBA’s first ever Conservation Award, recognising schemes that have creatively repaired, adapted or restored historic buildings and places.

The inaugural shortlist also included Donald Insall Associates’ restoration and refurbishment of Rochdale Town Hall, and Studio Sam Causer’s transformation of the Grade II-listed Kensal House Community Rooms in London.

The final scheme on the list was Haworth Tompkins’ major expansion of Pembroke College in Cambridge – the only Stirling Prize-shortlisted contender also in contention for the award.

Jury chair Liz Smith, partner and chairperson at Purcell, said: ‘Through sensitive conservation, the removal of insensitive additions and the use of contemporary
design rooted in local materials and craftsmanship, this joyful project reveals and celebrates the site’s historic character while preserving the rich details of its existing buildings.

‘By balancing conservation with innovative design, the project preserves Cornwall’s rich industrial heritage while responding to contemporary community needs, breathing new life into this historic place.’

The jury for the Conservation Award was completed by John Brown, director at Page\Park, and Will Palin, chief executive of Barts Heritage.

Both the Conservation Award and the Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlists were selected from winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2026. They were announced earlier this evening (15 October) at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony.

Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 shortlist

WINNER The Buttermarket, Redruth, by Architectural Thread
Notting Hill and Ealing High School Junior School by Hawkins\Brown (project architect: Justin Bean )
Oru Sutton by Samuel Chisholm Studio and Takero Shimazaki Architects (project architect: Maija Viksne)
Park Lane Stables RDA by Architecture WK (project architect: Damian Jakubek)
The Apple House by Okra (project architect: Ben Stuart-Smith)
Walled Garden, Auckland Castle by MawsonKerr Architect (project architect: Nita Kidd)

RIBA Conservation Award 2026 shortlist

WINNER The Buttermarket, Redruth, by Architectural Thread
Pembroke, Mill Lane, Cambridge, by Haworth Tompkins
Rochdale Town Hall by Donald Insall Associates
SPID Theatre, Kensal House Community Rooms, London, by Studio Sam Causer

The Buttermarket, by Architectural Thread

Source: Claire Fear Press

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