Most Anticipated Sustainable Construction Projects to Look Out for in 2026
Sustainable construction is no longer a niche movement—it has become a defining force shaping the built environment worldwide. As cities grapple with climate change, resource scarcity, and rapid urbanisation, architects and developers are rethinking how buildings are designed, constructed, and used. In recent years, we have seen a strong rise in mass timber construction, adaptive reuse, net-zero and energy-positive design, biophilic design, and circular design using local materials. These strategies aim not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to create healthier, more resilient places for people to live, work, and gather.
Looking ahead to 2026, several landmark projects exemplify how sustainability and architectural ambition can go hand in hand. From timber theatres and solar canopies to adaptive Olympic villages and biophilic healthcare centres, the following projects are among the most anticipated sustainable developments to watch.
CityWave, Milan – BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)
CityWave is set to become one of Milan’s most recognisable sustainable office developments. Designed by BIG, the project is defined by its dramatic, undulating solar canopy, which spans two office buildings and generates renewable energy on-site. The canopy not only reduces operational carbon but also provides shading and improves microclimatic comfort in the surrounding public spaces. CityWave represents a bold step toward energy-positive commercial architecture while contributing to Milan’s broader urban regeneration efforts.
CubeHouse, Amsterdam – SO–IL
Located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, CubeHouse by SO–IL is notable as the first timber-hybrid building in this major business area. Combining mass timber with other structural systems, the project significantly reduces embodied carbon compared to conventional office buildings. CubeHouse also emphasises flexibility, daylight access, and energy efficiency, showcasing how timber construction can be successfully integrated into dense, high-value urban contexts.
The Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Toronto – Mecanoo & RDHA Architects
Built on a former brownfield site, the Lawson Centre for Sustainability is a powerful example of urban renewal through sustainable design. Designed by Mecanoo in collaboration with RDHA Architects, the project incorporates passive design principles, high-performance façades, and extensive green roofs to minimise energy consumption. By transforming an underused site into a hub for sustainability research and education, the building demonstrates how architecture can drive both environmental and social regeneration.
Milano Cortina Olympic Village – SOM
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the Milano Cortina Olympic Village prioritises adaptive reuse and long-term urban value over temporary spectacle. Instead of creating single-use Olympic infrastructure, the project focuses on converting existing structures and designing new buildings that can be repurposed after the Games. Green spaces, walkability, and community-oriented planning are central to the vision, ensuring the development continues to benefit the city long after the athletes have left.
Samuel H. Scripps Theatre Centre, Hudson Valley – Studio Gang
Studio Gang’s Samuel H. Scripps Theatre Centre is poised to become the first LEED Platinum mass timber theatre in the United States. Located at Hudson Valley Shakespeare, the project uses exposed timber to reduce embodied carbon while creating a warm, acoustically rich performance space. The building’s relationship with the surrounding landscape and its low-impact construction approach highlight how cultural architecture can lead the way in sustainability.
Gelephu International Airport, Bhutan – BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)
Part of the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan, Gelephu International Airport by BIG blends contemporary sustainability with Bhutanese tradition. The design utilises locally sourced timber combined with traditional craftsmanship, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local economies. The airport reflects Bhutan’s commitment to carbon negativity and mindful development, setting a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure.
Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre, Cairo – Foster + Partners
The Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre, designed by Foster + Partners, applies biophilic and passive design principles to a healthcare setting. Shading strategies, natural ventilation, landscaped courtyards, and daylight-filled interiors help reduce energy demand while enhancing patient well-being. The project illustrates how sustainability can directly support health outcomes, particularly in hot-climate regions.
Yidan Centre, Shenzhen – Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects’ Yidan Centre integrates advanced sustainable technologies into a striking architectural form. The project features energy-efficient solar shading, rainwater harvesting systems, and photovoltaic panels to reduce operational energy use. Located in one of China’s fastest-growing cities, the building demonstrates how high-tech sustainability can be seamlessly embedded into large-scale urban developments.
Sagrada Família, Barcelona – Antoni Gaudí
While not a new project, the Sagrada Família continues to reach historic milestones. The completion of the Christ Tower, marking the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, underscores the enduring relevance of Gaudí’s biophilic design philosophy. Inspired by natural forms and structures, his work has influenced generations of modern architects and remains a powerful reminder that sustainability and nature-inspired design are deeply interconnected.
Looking Ahead
Together, these projects highlight the exciting direction sustainable construction is heading as we enter 2026. They demonstrate that environmental responsibility can coexist with bold design, cultural expression, and technological innovation. As cities and communities continue to prioritise low-carbon, human-centred architecture, there is strong hope that many more projects like these will shape a more sustainable and inspiring built environment in the years to come.
