Building Awards 2025 shortlists: Small Project of the Year (up to £5m)

Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for the Small Project of the Year (up to £5m).

Mr Porter Park Lane – Pillar

Mr Porter Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge, part of the Entourage Group, opened its first London restaurant on 25 April 2025 at Hilton Park Lane. Already established in Amsterdam, Barcelona and Ibiza, the brand adapts its distinctive identity to each city while retaining its core DNA.

The Entourage Group appointed Pillar, led by Adam Mursal with project managers Ian Jones and Georgina Robertson, to oversee the full strip-out and refurbishment. Working with architect Woods Hardwick, the team delivered a new restaurant, speakeasy bar and kitchen under tight programme constraints.

With the client based in Amsterdam, Pillar acted as its eyes and ears on site, ensuring clear communication and decisive action to meet the fixed opening date.

Designers Baranowitz + Kronenberg created an atmospheric interior inspired by Mayfair’s history, centred around a reflective copper ceiling manufactured in Poland, a nine-metre chef’s table and a signature oval bar.

Close co-ordination with Hilton’s team was vital, as the new MEP systems interfaced with the hotel’s main plant.

Through collaboration, careful planning and a proactive approach, the project was completed on time, creating a distinctive new dining destination for London.

New Wave House – Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with New Wave London

New Wave House, the headquarters of construction company New Wave London, demonstrates how retrofit can achieve high-impact results on a modest budget. Designed by Thomas-McBrien Architects, the project transformed a two-storey structure into a low carbon, expanded workplace without extending its footprint.

A lightweight Douglas fir glulam rooftop pavilion increased workspace by 40% while raising energy use by less than 5%, equating to a 25% reduction per square metre.

Circular economy principles underpinned the design, with salvaged roof panels, repurposed timber and reused fittings integrated throughout. A whole-life carbon assessment revealed the new extension achieved an embodied carbon of 166kgCO₂e/m², which reduces to -35kgCO₂e/m² after accounting for the sequestration potential of the 41.2m³ of glulam.

Fabrication in New Wave London’s own workshop minimised transport emissions and showcased the company’s craft-based ethos.

The retrofit also delivers adaptable workspaces for 11 SMEs, supporting local employment and reducing disruption by avoiding relocation.

As both client and builder, New Wave London demonstrated that ambitious, design-led sustainability can be achieved without large budgets – providing a powerful example for the wider industry.

Refurbishment of the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Headquarters – VINCI Facilities Building Solutions

The grade II-listed Institution of Civil Engineers headquarters in Westminster, spanning 10,000m², underwent a £4.2m, 19-week refurbishment led by VINCI Facilities Building Solutions. The project restored historic spaces – including the Great Hall, central dome and Telford Theatre – while upgrading mechanical and electrical services, accessibility and infrastructure.

Staff maintained access throughout the refurbishment, achieved using hoarding, wayfinding and asset protection. The works were delivered on time, on budget and with zero accidents or heritage damage.

Sustainability was central, with all timber Forest Stewardship Council-certified, lead fully recycled, and materials complying with BREEAM and SKA standards. Workshops ensured teams adhered to these requirements.

Local and UK suppliers were prioritised, including Dorothea Restorations for bespoke glazing, Vulcan Building Services for M&E, and Divine Roofing.

Collaboration was key, with other key organisations including ICE, Arcadis, and Hurst Peirce & Malcolm. Weekly subcontractor meetings and monthly reviews ensured progress, while NEC4 contracts encouraged innovation, such as a bio wash inhibitor for heating systems, saving £150,000.

The refurbishment secured the building’s long-term future, combining heritage conservation with modern efficiency and enhanced user experience.

Silbury House – Thomas Sinden

Silbury House demonstrates how a 1998 office building was able to be transformed into Milton Keynes’ most sustainable workplace. Completed in June 2024, the 23,089ft² project delivers high environmental performance, occupant wellbeing and economic impact within a modest budget.

The refurbishment achieved BREEAM Outstanding, EPC rating A, NABERS UK 5-star, Fitwel 3-star, WELL Performance and RESET Air certifications.

Circular economy principles guided material reuse: raised access floor panels and carpet tiles with 75% recycled content were refurbished, 100% recycled paper worktops installed, and ironmongery, doors and window fixtures restored.

Embodied carbon was reduced to 60% below the RIBA 2030 target, and surplus materials were donated to extend their lifecycle.

Energy performance was improved with solar PV, high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting and smart sockets, reducing energy waste and CO₂ emissions.

Occupant wellbeing was prioritised through natural light, biophilic elements, green spaces and high indoor air quality.

Collaboration ensured sustainable procurement, supply chain efficiency and local economic benefits.

Silbury House proves that small-scale refurbishment can achieve stellar low-carbon performance, enhance wellbeing and create lasting value for communities and tenants.