The shortlist for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2026 Best Use of Stone Prize, supported by Turkish Stones, has been announced. The award recognizes projects that demonstrate innovative, creative, and exemplary applications of natural stone in contemporary architecture, celebrating the material’s aesthetic, functional, and sustainable qualities.
All shortlisted projects will compete during the live judging sessions at World Architecture Festival 2026, where a panel of three expert judges will evaluate each special prize. The overall winner will be announced during the Gala Dinner on the festival’s final day.
The shortlisted projects for the Best Use of Stone Prize 2026 are:
Ayana by aslam.sham architects
Bisate Sanctuary – Architects: Black Sable Designs (Pty) Ltd, Interior Designer: Artichoke Interior Design
Citadella – The Bastion of Liberty by art1st design studio Kft
Luhu Art Center by Studio Link-Arc
Mercado Nicolas Bravo by AIDIA STUDIO
Nedarag Guesthouse by Nextoffice, Studio of Architectural Research & Design
Pur Residential Recording Studio (Mixed Use) by SOUR
Western Sydney International Airport (Nancy Bird Walton) – Final Design by Woods Bagot, Reference Design by Cox Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects
Sponsored by Turkish Stones, the Best Use of Stone Prize continues to celebrate projects that push the boundaries of architectural design through the innovative use of natural stone, reinforcing its role as a timeless, sustainable, and inspiring building material on the global stage.
For more information:
https://worldarchitecturefestival.com/WAF2026/en/page/best-use-of-stone-2026
