Dezeen Competitions: the second instalment of Buildner's Re:Form – New Life for Old Spaces contest seeks adaptive reuse proposals for spaces under 250 square meters.

The competition invites participants to select a building of their choosing to repurpose, whether in use or derelict.

This competition is now closed

Organiser: Buildner
Competition: Re:Form – New Life for Old Spaces
Judges: the panel has not yet been announced. Click here to see the jury panels from previous competitions.
Submission deadlines: early bird registration is 30 July to 2 October, advance registration is 3 October to 3 December, last-minute registration is 4 December to 4 February, and final registration is 4 February 2026
Winner announcement: 28 April 2026
Prize: €10,000

Click here to enter ›

Competition overview

Buildner has announced the second edition of Re:Form – New Life for Old Spaces, an international architecture competition focused on adaptive reuse within spaces under 250 square meters.

Building on the success of the first edition, this year's competition once again invites architects and designers to creatively reimagine existing structures – abandoned, underutilised, or currently in use – into spaces with renewed purpose and impact.

In light of ongoing environmental and urban challenges, Re:Form continues to encourage sustainable and innovative design approaches that transform small-scale spaces into meaningful, functional environments.

Participants may select any structure, in any location, to reinterpret for a new use.

The competition celebrates the potential of adaptive reuse to harmonise sustainability, utility and design excellence.

Winning proposals will highlight how thoughtful transformation of existing spaces can strengthen communities and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Eligibility and judging criteria

The competition is open to all.

Participants are free to choose any existing structure, whether currently in use, abandoned or neglected, anywhere in the world.

From unused storefronts and aging sheds to underutilised garages or portions of larger buildings, each project should demonstrate the potential to transform a limited footprint into something innovative and impactful.

Click here to read the full details of entry requirements.

How to enter

Entrants should use this link to enter.

Submission deadlines

Early bird registration is from 30 July to 2 October, advanced registration is from 3 October to 3 December, last minute registration is from 4 December t0 4 February, and 4 February 2026 is the final registration deadline. Closing date for submissions is 9 March 2026.

Winners will be announced on 28 April 2026.

About Buildner

Buildner showcases international architecture competitions, providing a platform for designers and architects to showcase their work and shape the future of the built environment.

For over ten years, the platform has published more than 140 competitions and had over 400 guest jury members.

Dezeen Competitions

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