Architects Today briefing: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Stories from the last 24 hours

• BDP completes RAAC replacement extension at St Kentigern's Academy in West Lothian

  The architect has announced completion of the teaching, sports and performance wing built after more than 60% of the West Lothian school was demolished over RAAC, as the council presses the Scottish Government on £15m of funding.

• BDP-designed £87m surgical centre opens at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton

  The Kier-built King's Building brings eight operating theatres, six endoscopy rooms and 22 critical care beds to the Somerset hospital, replacing wartime accommodation after a timetable that slipped from summer 2025.

• Clio takes first fitted suite at Eden as ECF lines up two more fitted suites

  Legal software firm Clio has let the Overbury-designed 5,134 sq ft suite at New Bailey that ECF said was the UK's first fit-out to hold SKA V2 Gold, with two further suites due by early 2027.

• RIBA leads 23-strong coalition urging government to put retrofit on COP31 agenda

  The institute says the energy secretary's COP31 statement leaves out housing retrofit, and has joined 22 other built environment bodies and businesses in a letter calling for a long-term national programme.

• AHR's Passivhaus Templehall Community Hub shortlisted twice at GIA Design Awards 2026

  Fife Council's first Passivhaus community building, designed by AHR, is up for the Sustainability and Leisure & Arts categories, with winners to be announced at Cottiers in Glasgow on 19 November.