How can we build better, using fewer resources, whilst addressing the climate, social and urban challenges of the future? The first seven projects selected for the Luxembourg Architecture Award 2026 each offer a unique response to this question.
From modular buildings and circular architecture to low-tech solutions, smart densification and the reclaiming of public space, these projects showcase the richness and boldness of architectural design in Luxembourg. Discover them and vote for your favourite!
Project 1. When architecture becomes a public good
In Redange-sur-Attert, Äerdschëff is far more than just a public building. Inspired by Earthships and adapted to the realities of Luxembourg, this project, led by Beng Architectes Associés, explores a different approach to design and construction. Rainwater harvesting, reused materials, renewable energy, passive design: every aspect has been carefully considered to reduce dependence on resources.
But its true strength lies in its community-based nature. Built using a participatory approach, Äerdschëff is a place of learning where residents, volunteers and professionals learn together. It is a project that goes beyond simply being sustainable; it fosters social connections and shares knowledge.
Beng Architectes Associés presents a project with a strong community focus. Photo: Christof Weber
Project 2. A multi-purpose hall designed for travel
What if a building could change its address over the course of its lifetime? In Dudelange, Fat Architects offers an innovative solution with a multi-purpose hall designed entirely to be dismantled, transported and then rebuilt elsewhere.
Constructed from prefabricated wooden modules assembled using screws, the building will be able to be given a new lease of life at another site after several years of use. This approach significantly reduces material waste and demonstrates that a building can be conceived as a reusable resource rather than a static object. A concrete example of the circular economy applied to architecture.
The project designed by Fat Architects was conceived so that it could be dismantled and reassembled. Photo: Lukas Roth
Project 3. Transparency as a principle of sustainability
In Olm, the new headquarters of Sicona Ouest + Centre, designed by Merten Architekten, embraces simplicity. Here, there is no need for complex technology to understand how the building works: its timber structure remains visible and clearly shows how each component can be dismantled, repaired or reused.
This ‘what you see is what you get’ philosophy extends to every aspect of the project. The spaces are easily adaptable, the materials are dry-assembled, and users retain control over their day-to-day comfort. An honest, clear and adaptable architecture that demonstrates that sustainability also depends on those who occupy the spaces understanding and taking ownership of them.
The ‘what you see is what you get’ philosophy applies to every aspect of this project in the municipality of Olm. Photo: Merten Architekten
Project 4. Reinventing the village without spreading out
In the face of the constant expansion of housing estates on undeveloped land, this project in Hersberg offers an alternative approach: the intelligent densification of existing rural areas.
Behind a discreet façade that blends seamlessly into its surroundings, the building, designed by Witry & Witry, boasts remarkable performance. Built using bio-based materials such as wood, clay and grass insulation, it boasts a negative carbon footprint whilst producing more energy than it consumes. Inside, tradition and modernity interact elegantly to demonstrate that rural architecture can be at once contemporary, understated and environmentally exemplary.
This building, designed by Witry & Witry, aims to intelligently increase the density of the existing rural fabric whilst delivering outstanding energy performance. Photo: www.willi-filz.com
Project 5. The quiet strength of brick
Situated at the junction of two major boulevards in the capital, this office building designed by Fabeck Architectes makes a striking impression with its remarkable simplicity. Its dark brick cladding gives it a strong and timeless identity, whilst the subtle variations in the façade create a constant interplay with light and urban vistas.
Far from spectacular effects, the project focuses on the quality of its proportions, the precision of its details and the use of materials to create architecture that stands the test of time. An example demonstrating that restraint can sometimes produce the most powerful architectural gestures.
Designed by Fabeck Architectes, the Spaces office building plays on the subtle variations in the façade, creating a constant interplay with natural light. Photo: Oliver Schuh, Palladium Photodesign
Project 6. A comfortable building… without heating or air conditioning
Dellizotti’s headquarters in Bettembourg is aptly named: ‘22·26’. Throughout the year, the indoor temperature remains between 22 and 26 degrees without the use of conventional heating, air-conditioning or ventilation systems.
To achieve this level of performance, the teams at Architecture & Urbanisme 21 Yvore Schiltz & Associés focused on a rigorous bioclimatic design, the building’s thermal mass, natural ventilation and smart control systems. Built using natural materials such as straw and clay, this project demonstrates that it is possible to offer optimal comfort whilst drastically reducing energy requirements. A pragmatic and inspiring vision of the building of tomorrow.
The Dellizotti headquarters in Bettembourg: a pragmatic and inspiring vision of the buildings of the future. Photo: Pancake! Photographie
Project 7. Luga: the city as a living laboratory
For six months, Luxembourg Urban Garden transformed several iconic sites in Luxembourg and the Nordstad into an open-air experimental space. Much more than just an exhibition, Luga asbl offered a new way of looking at the city by revealing the invisible ecosystems that make it up.
Gardens, installations, walking routes and temporary interventions highlighted the interactions between nature, residents and urban infrastructure. Developed in collaboration with the local community and its stakeholders, the project demonstrated that public space can become a genuine collective laboratory where new ways of living in and thinking about the city take shape.
Luga aims to illustrate the fact that the area serves as a collective laboratory where new ways of living in the city are taking shape. Photo: Luga
Each of these projects offers a different response to the major challenges of our time: the circular economy, energy efficiency, reuse, public participation and the reconciliation of urban and natural environments. Yet they all share one thing in common: a commitment to building a more sustainable and desirable future for everyone.
Discover all the projects shortlisted for the Luxembourg Architecture Award 2026 and vote for the one that inspires you most at https://architectureaward.lu/les-nomines/. Please note that descriptions of the projects in the other sections will be published on our website throughout June.
