The HÄUSER-AWARD 2026 was presented on 9 April at a festive ceremony held as part of the JUNG Elbgespräche in Hamburg. Under the theme “New Perspectives”, the jury honoured projects from across Europe that show how existing buildings can be reinterpreted and developed into forward-looking residential architecture. This year, outstanding entries included projects from France, Belgium, Germany and Spain, among others.

The internationally renowned HÄUSER-AWARD is now in its 23rd year. It is presented by the architecture and design magazine HÄUSER in cooperation with Bund Deutscher Architektinnen und Architekten BDA, Verband Privater Bauherren e.V. (VPB), JUNG and Parkett Dietrich.

Anne Zuber, Editor-in-Chief of HÄUSER:  “We set out to identify exemplary solutions that unlock the full potential of existing buildings through intelligent planning and creative concepts. The projects selected show how much quality of life can be gained in the process. They also demonstrate how rewarding an approach based on creativity, sensitivity, respect and recognition can be.”

The winners at a glance:

1st prize and Readers’ Award: Studio house “La Grange” in Burgundy/France by Le Dévéhat Vuarnesson Architectes
Le Dévéhat Vuarnesson Architectes receive the first prize of the HÄUSER-AWARD 2026, endowed with 7,000 Euro, as well as the VPB Client Award of 1,000 Euro, for the conversion of a former farmstead in Burgundy/France. The project also received the non-monetary Readers’ Award, thus winning over both jury and audience. Working in close collaboration with industrial designer and client Erwan Bouroullec, the architects transformed the abandoned ensemble into an attractive place to live and work. They retained the overall structure of the complex, removed only a few additional parts and adapted the existing buildings to new uses through precise interventions. Generous openings, simple built-in elements and robust materials strengthen the dialogue between the existing fabric and contemporary architecture.

“The respect for the existing structure, its thoughtful transformation and the sustainable realisation convinced the jury.” – from the jury statement

2nd prize: Single-family home in Ghent/Belgium by AE-Architecten
AE-Architecten are awarded the second prize of the HÄUSER-AWARD 2026, endowed with 5,000 Euro, as well as the VPB Client Award of 1,000 Euro, for the transformation of a 1960s single-family house in Ghent/Belgium. Through targeted, partly radical interventions, they completely reorganised the building. The formerly fragmented layout was transformed into an open and layered spatial sequence. The conversion of the former garage into a kitchen-living space served as the starting point. From here, a diagonal sequence of differentiated zones now unfolds throughout the house. Generous openings and changes in level create a dynamic and interconnected interior.

“The redesign can serve as a blueprint for a creative and resourceful approach to post-war single-family houses.” – from the jury statement

3rd prize: Terraced house in Cologne-Braunsfeld by Keßler Plescher Architekten
Keßler Plescher Architekten receive the third prize of the HÄUSER-AWARD 2026, endowed with 3,000 Euro, as well as the VPB Client Award of 1,000 Euro, for the conversion of a terraced house in Cologne-Braunsfeld. With a sensitive yet clearly structured approach, they reorganised the heavily modified existing building and developed it into an open and permeable spatial structure. Constrained layouts were opened up, sightlines extended and spaces newly interconnected. This creates a surprising sense of generosity within a limited footprint. Custom-built elements, carefully selected materials and a high level of craftsmanship define the new character of the house.

“The so-called ‘golden energy’ inherent in the existing building has been reactivated here.” – from the jury statement

Interior Prize: Townhouse in Barcelona/Spain by Raúl Sánchez
Raúl Sánchez receives the Interior Prize of the HÄUSER-AWARD 2026, endowed with 2,000 Euro and sponsored by Parkett Dietrich, for the conversion of a narrow townhouse in the centre of Barcelona/Spain. Starting from a dilapidated existing building, he developed a surprisingly generous multi-level home. The design translates the building’s extreme verticality into a distinct spatial quality. Exposed brickwork, sculptural stair elements and carefully selected materials shape the atmosphere and connect past and present. The interplay between raw existing fabric and precise interventions results in a layered spatial composition with a strong identity.

“The raw brick walls with their many traces of use become the defining design element.” – from the jury statement

16 further projects from across Europe recognized

In addition to the four main prizes, the jury honoured 16 further projects. Together, they reflect the full spectrum of contemporary remodelling in Europe – from carefully evolved existing structures to radically reimagined spatial concepts. As in previous years, all award-winning projects will be presented in an accompanying publication. The richly illustrated volume “Häuser. Die besten Umbauten.” (Prestel) brings together the 30 finalists. It documents them in detail with plans and texts and makes the diversity and quality of the submitted projects tangible.

The awards were decided by an independent jury of experts from architecture, media and building culture. The jury members were Tina Kortmann (UNStudio), Susanne Wartzeck (BDA Bund Deutscher Architektinnen und Architekten), Thomas Penningh (Verband Privater Bauherren e.V.), Reiner Nagel (Bundesstiftung Baukultur) and Anne Zuber (HÄUSER).

The award-winning projects are presented in the current issue 02/2026 of HÄUSER, which is now available in stores – as well as online here.  

About HÄUSER:
HÄUSER is the premium magazine for international architecture and design and has enjoyed the greatest respect in the architecture and design scene for 45 years thanks to its keen sense of the times, developments and trends. The focus is on detached houses, conversions and renovations – at the highest level. HÄUSER presents interior and exterior worlds in opulent photography and provides detailed information on materials, construction methods and plans. Once a year, the magazine honours innovative and forward-looking architecture with the renowned HÄUSER-AWARD. Further details at haeuser-award.de.