Call for applications : Archinovo prize 2026 – Notice to architects

Several prizes are awarded in each edition :

• Jury Prize
• Special Jury Mention
• Grouped and Alternative Housing Trophy
• Rehabilitation and Extension Trophy
• Heritage Restoration Trophy
• Public Prize

The 7th edition of the Archinovo Prize seeks to explore current French individual housing and its challenges by rewarding architects who propose innovative approaches to designing our living spaces. While the house remains the preferred housing type for the French, how can we integrate the profound changes in today’s society and our lifestyles while maintaining architectural quality in service of housing ? 

The Archinovo Prize highlights projects addressing ecological urgency through responsible resource use and local supply chains. It encourages initiatives that combat urban sprawl, prioritizing the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing structures, particularly in suburban areas and town centers. 

For the first time since its creation, the Prize introduces a new award to support the restoration and preservation of 20th-century domestic heritage. 

Continuing the tradition of previous editions, the Prize will recognize approaches exploring alternative housing types, between individual and collective (grouped housing, co-living, participatory or intergenerational housing), where social connections and privacy are thoughtfully balanced. Special attention will also be given to the synergy between architects, clients, and project management.

Finally, the Archinovo Prize also encourages forward-looking, “paper” projects that propose new solutions pushing the boundaries of traditional individual housing. 

Selection of Winners

The jury consists of representatives from the Ministry of Culture and institutional partners (Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Ordre des Architectes, Institut Français), as well as critics, journalists, and architects who are past winners. The public will also be invited to vote for one month to determine the Public Prize on the website www.archinovo.fr.

Promotion

All projects are published on the website www.archinovo.fr. 

Each house is featured in dedicated articles on partner press sites and social media.

Eligible Projects 

• Housing projects built in France between 2022 and 2026.
• All typologies : large surfaces, small projects, rehabilitations, extensions, grouped housing projects, etc.
• Projects that innovatively address current themes: adaptable houses, modular homes, experimental houses, mobile housing, flexible housing, dry construction, renewable materials, etc.

Application materials

Architects wishing to participate in the Archinovo Prize 2026 – 7th edition, should send the following materials to prixarchinovo@gmail.com : 

• A description of the house, including its completion date and location.
• The house’s technical specifications.
• A presentation of the agency.
• Exterior and interior photographs.
• Sections.
• Elevations.
• Plans, including a site plan showing the surrounding urban fabric (with North indicated), as well as ground floor and upper floor plans.

Any other relevant materials to highlight the uniqueness of your project.