Building the future: 2026 project milestones to celebrate

As we enter 2026, we’re excited to see several landmark projects reach pivotal stages. Each one reflects our commitment to creating spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and transformative. From cultural icons to urban regeneration, these milestones will shape communities and inspire generations.

Southwark 2.0 Heat Network

London, UK

Southwark Council’s ambition to cut carbon emissions and deliver affordable, secure heating to thousands of homes and businesses is a bold step toward a sustainable future. The Southwark 2.0 Heat Network expansion will extend the existing district heating infrastructure by 7km, connecting to the South East London Combined Heat and Power (SELCHP) facility. This initiative will provide reliable, low-carbon heat to around 5,000 additional homes and businesses, saving an estimated 14,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually – a significant contribution to London’s climate action goals.

Buro Happold played a central role in designing and modelling this complex network. Our energy consulting team led the project, supported by MEP, fire, structural, and environmental specialists. We developed precise 3D Revit models using point cloud laser scanning surveys of existing plant rooms, enabling accurate piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID). This approach allowed us to identify the most effective design solutions while minimising disruption to residents and ensuring operational continuity.

Phase Two, scheduled for March 2026, will bring further extensions and capacity increases, reinforcing Southwark’s position as a leader in urban decarbonisation.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art – David Geffen Galleries

California, USA

As the largest art museum in the Western United States, LACMA attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and houses more than 130,000 works. In April 2026, the museum will unveil the David Geffen Galleries – a transformative project that unifies the permanent collection into a single, cohesive space while opening ground-level areas to the community. This $650 million redevelopment will replace four original campus buildings with a striking, curvilinear design that spans Wilshire Boulevard, creating a bold architectural statement for Los Angeles.

Buro Happold provided integrated engineering services for this ambitious project, which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. The innovative layout introduces relaxed environmental design criteria for perimeter galleries, reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal conditions for artwork. More delicate pieces will be housed in interior galleries with tighter temperature and humidity controls, ensuring preservation without compromising visitor comfort.

Targeting LEED Gold certification and striving for net zero energy goals, this project sets a new benchmark for sustainable museum design. By combining technical excellence with cultural sensitivity, we’ve helped create a space that will inspire millions while minimising environmental impact.

Expected opening: April 2026

KANAL – Centre Pompidou

Brussels, Belgium

KANAL – Centre Pompidou is set to become one of Europe’s largest cultural venues, transforming a former Citroën factory into a dynamic arts hub. This €125 million project will house a Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the CIVA Foundation architecture centre, and a 400-seat auditorium, alongside vibrant public spaces. It will breathe new life into Brussels’ cultural landscape, attracting visitors from across the continent.

We worked within an international design team to develop a competition-winning concept that celebrates the building’s industrial heritage while creating high-performance spaces for art and community. Our designs preserve the factory’s character while introducing modern systems that meet the demands of a world-class cultural venue.

By integrating sustainability and functionality into the design, we’ve ensured the building will serve as a beacon of creativity for generations. This transformation is more than a renovation – it’s a reinvention that connects past and future in a space that inspires and delights.

Expected opening: November 2026

King’s Cross Roadmap to Net Zero and Decarbonisation

London, UK

King’s Cross is one of London’s most iconic regeneration projects, and its commitment to achieving net zero carbon sets a powerful precedent for urban development. The first phase of this transformation will open in 2026, marking a major milestone in creating a sustainable future for the estate. This initiative will significantly reduce operational carbon emissions and help shape a greener city.

We played a pivotal role in developing credible pathways for decarbonisation. Our team undertook whole lifecycle cost analysis and produced building-specific Action Plans, giving the client a clear roadmap for short, medium, and long-term actions. These plans not only outline technical solutions but also provide financial clarity, enabling informed investment decisions.

By acting as trusted advisors, we continue to support Related Argent in executing this ambitious vision, ensuring King’s Cross becomes a benchmark for sustainable urban regeneration.

First phase opening: 2026

National Coast Guard Museum

New London, Connecticut, USA

The National Coast Guard Museum will tell the story of one of America’s most enduring services on the waterfront of New London, Connecticut. This free-admission facility will attract over 300,000 visitors annually, educating and inspiring generations while delivering significant economic benefits to the region. It will celebrate the Coast Guard’s unique identity and its motto, Semper Paratus – “Always Ready.”

We are providing multidisciplinary services for the project, including MEP design and structural engineering. Sustainability and resiliency have been central to our approach: mechanical systems are located on the top floor for storm readiness, and occupiable spaces are elevated above the 500-year flood plain. The building targets LEED Gold certification, with features such as natural ventilation, heat recovery chillers, and underfloor radiant heating and cooling.

Our expertise ensures the museum will be both high-performing and highly resilient, safeguarding exhibits and operations against future challenges. By combining technical innovation with cultural sensitivity, we’ve helped create a space that honours the Coast Guard’s legacy while embracing a sustainable future.

Expected opening: 2026

Nachteiland (Sluisbuurt 1C)

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Nachteiland is redefining sustainable living in Amsterdam’s Sluisbuurt district. Rising 22 storeys, this hybrid-timber tower will be one of the tallest of its kind in the Netherlands, combining striking architecture with low embodied carbon materials. The development will feature a solar PV facade, green communal spaces, and energy-efficient systems, setting a new standard for sustainable urban housing.

Our structural engineers have been instrumental in realising this vision. Leveraging global expertise in hybrid-timber construction, we’ve helped the design team overcome complex engineering challenges while maintaining the architectural ambition.

Beyond technical excellence, our work ensures the project meets stringent environmental goals without compromising functionality or aesthetics. Nachteiland will stand as a showcase for low-carbon design, proving that it is possible to address housing needs while creating vibrant, resilient communities.

Completion: 2026

Sinfonia Varsovia

Warsaw, Poland

Sinfonia Varsovia Centrum will become an iconic cultural destination on the banks of the Vistula River. Combining five refurbished historic buildings with a new concert hall, the project will provide exceptional acoustics and world-class facilities for Warsaw’s celebrated philharmonic orchestra. More than a performance venue, it will offer spaces for education, collaboration, and inspiration.

Our MEP and structural engineering expertise has been critical in delivering this vision. To achieve outstanding acoustics, we designed the concert hall as a ‘shoebox’ arrangement, isolating it from external noise and vibration. This meticulous approach ensures an unparalleled experience for audiences and musicians alike.

Varsovia will not only elevate Warsaw’s music scene but also serve as a hub for creativity and learning, enriching the city’s cultural fabric for years to come.

Concert hall opening: 2026

Museum of London

London, UK

The Museum of London’s relocation to Smithfield represents one of the most significant cultural transformations in the UK. By restoring a series of historic market buildings, the project will create a vibrant new destination that celebrates London’s heritage while embracing modern accessibility and design. This ambitious move will breathe life into a creative quarter, attracting millions of visitors and reinforcing Smithfield’s role as a cultural hub.

We have been a trusted partner since 2018, guiding the museum through every stage of its evolution. Our inclusive design team has ensured that accessibility is embedded into the project without compromising the historic character of the space. From stakeholder engagement and access group meetings to developing Inclusive Design Guidelines, we’ve set benchmark standards that will shape exhibition design for years to come.

Beyond inclusivity, we’ve delivered Health and Equalities Impact Assessments, supported planning submissions, and benchmarked designs against the latest guidance. This holistic approach ensures the museum will not only meet regulatory requirements but also deliver a world-class visitor experience.

Expected opening: Late 2026