Two projects featuring Dales Aluminium products have been shortlisted for the 2026 RIBA London Awards. With 72 projects shortlisted across the capital, the list highlights some of the most impressive new architecture in London, making it a significant achievement for any project to be recognised.
The shortlisted projects – Notting Hill & Ealing High School and the Urban Nature Project at the Natural History Museum – both demonstrate thoughtful design, strong collaboration and careful attention to detail. We’re proud to have contributed to each of them.
Notting Hill & Ealing High School
Designed by Hawkins Brown, the new Junior School at Notting Hill & Ealing High School provides a bright and contemporary learning environment for students.
The development includes 14 modern classrooms, as well as specialist spaces for music, art, science and computing, alongside a multi-use hall designed to support a range of school activities.
One particularly striking feature is the rooftop lantern above the library, which brings natural light into the building. Dales Aluminium Fascia and Copings were used as part of this detail, contributing both to the building’s durability and its overall finish.
Photography by Jack Hobhouse.
For the project, Dales supplied:
- Fascia, Soffit, Copings, Rainwater pipes (RWP), & Window surrounds
Dales’ products were finished in a palette of RAL 6015 Matt (Black Olive), RAL 6011 (Reseda Green) and RAL 8025 Matt (Pale Brown), complementing the architectural design.
The scheme has already received recognition, having been named the 2025 NLA Award winner for education, which praised the new Junior school as a benchmark for sustainable, modern learning environments in London. Additionally, the school was highly commended at the Ealing Civic Society Awards 2024, which celebrate projects that make a positive contribution to the local community.
The main contractor on the project was Neilcott Construction Group. Dales products were installed by Roweaver Developments Ltd.
Urban Nature Project – Natural History Museum
The Urban Nature Project has transformed the previously underused gardens at the Natural History Museum into a vibrant green space designed to help visitors better understand urban biodiversity.
As part of the wider scheme, the Garden Kitchen café, designed by Feilden Fowles, offers a calm and welcoming place for visitors to pause and enjoy the surroundings. The building has been carefully designed to sit comfortably within the gardens and alongside the museum’s historic architecture.
Photography by Walter Lilly & Interface Facade Engineering.
For the project, Dales supplied:
These products were finished in RAL 8019 Matt (Grey Brown) to complement the natural materials used throughout the project.
Sustainability was central to the wider development, with 35 sustainability and social value targets shaping the project from the outset. Since opening, the scheme has picked up several accolades, including Project of the Year (over £20m) and the People’s Choice Award at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.
Main contractor on the project was Walter Lilly. Dales products were installed by Stafford Rainwater Systems.
The Road to the Stirling Prize:
All 72 shortlisted projects will be visited by a regional jury as part of the judging process. Winners of the RIBA London Awards will be announced later this spring.
From there, successful schemes may go on to receive RIBA London Special Awards, before being considered for the prestigious RIBA National Awards, which will be announced in the summer.
Projects that win a National Award are then eligible for the RIBA Stirling Prize, widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. The shortlist will be revealed in September, with the winner announced in October.
A Proud Moment
Congratulations to Hawkins Brown and Feilden Fowles and everyone involved in these projects on this well-deserved recognition.
With only 72 projects shortlisted across London, it’s a fantastic achievement for both schemes, and we’re proud that Dales Aluminium products played a part in helping bring them to life.
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