The AJ Small Projects 2026 winners have been announced, and they showcase the incredible creativity and innovation that can be achieved on a limited budget. This year's competition saw 170 entries, with 20 projects shortlisted and ultimately judged by a panel of experts. The overall winner was a self-build house in Catford, London, designed by O'Donnell + Tuomey. This project, a family home for the practice's director, addresses the national housing crisis and provides a blueprint for affordable housing in London. It's a testament to the power of design to create practical solutions to complex issues. The judges praised the project's ability to create a framework for addressing the housing crisis, highlighting its potential to make a significant impact on the lives of families in London. The highly commended projects, Shine a Light on Wilcox Road by NOOMA Studio and Culmore Fort by Mark Hackett Architect, also demonstrated the potential for design to address community needs and historical preservation. The People's Choice Award, voted by readers online, went to The Big Shed by KAST Architects, which received 31.4% of the votes. This project, a clear winner in the eyes of the public, showcases the importance of community engagement and the power of design to create spaces that resonate with people. The ceremony, hosted at the newly revamped University of Liverpool School of Architecture, marked the first time the awards have taken place outside London in their 31-year history. The event celebrated the shortlist of inventive, low-budget architecture through a month-long exhibition open to students and visitors. The jury, including project architects and community-focused designers, presented their projects in a live, crit-style session, followed by a closed deliberation. The AJ Small Projects 2026 awards continue to demonstrate that limited budgets can produce bold, impactful design. The full shortlist is available online, and the awards have become a platform for emerging practices to showcase their talent and make a difference in the world of architecture.
