ArchDaily is the world's most influential architecture platform, reaching millions of readers globally and bringing together architects, designers, academics, and students. Each year, the Building of the Year Awards recognize projects that stand out for their architectural quality, impact, and relevance among all works published throughout the year.
In the 2026 edition, two projects have been selected to participate in these awards, having been nominated by the ArchDaily community.
Jacaranda House is competing in the Houses category. The project is composed of a series of volumes that slide past one another and grow both horizontally and vertically, forming a composition that resembles a stone-like topography. This configuration establishes a strong relationship between architecture and landscape, with the garden acting as a constant backdrop to the interior spaces.
The separation of the central volumes allows for the creation of a courtyard that organizes the plan and visually connects different areas of the house. The garden becomes a structural element of the project, shaping domestic life and reinforcing the connection with the surrounding environment.
Universidad Europea Turia Campus has been selected in two categories: Educational Architecture and Best Applied Product. The project is based on the rehabilitation of the former San Juan Bautista Asylum, a historic building of significant heritage value located next to the former Turia riverbed in Valencia.
The intervention combines the restoration of the existing building with the construction of a new adjacent volume designed to share the same architectural language. Respect for the pre-existing architecture and its historical elements guides the project, creating a balanced dialogue between original and contemporary materials without excessive contrast.
The campus interiors have been furnished by Actiu, incorporating solutions tailored to contemporary educational environments. Among the selected pieces is Meetia, a seating system designed for contract and hospitality spaces, used in the campus waiting areas. Its adaptability, comfort, and design make it especially suitable for collective spaces, reinforcing the integration of architecture, interior design, and furniture.
Participation in the ArchDaily 2026 Building of the Year Awards represents international recognition of an architectural approach grounded in conceptual coherence, technical precision, and a strong relationship with context, across residential and educational projects alike.
You can support both projects in the links below:
Universidad Europea Turia Campus · Educational Architecture
Universidad Europea Turia Campus · Best Applied Product Product
