Regenerative Architecture Index 2026

We are delighted to have been selected to be part of the Regenerative Architecture Index 2026. Launched by Architecture Today and UK Architects Declare, the index showcases practices whose work is going beyond ‘doing less harm’ towards positively contributing to the environment and the long term sustainability of the built environment. 

Our work will also be part of an exhibition at the Building Centre, Store Street, London WC1E 7BT. The exhibition will be free to visit and will be on throughout October. 

Our Approach to Regenerative Architecture

Since Arbor Architects was founded in 2019, we have set out to design and make buildings that have a positive impact on their environment and the people that inhabit them.

In the context of a climate emergency, it’s no longer enough to simply limit the impacts of what we build – an approach we’ve termed being ‘less bad’ – instead we have to explore ways to make our buildings regenerative, holistically low energy and healthy, enriching environments.

To do this, we have to start from first principles; understanding the bio-region of the site, sourcing local materials and labour, designing for climate resilience, occupant comfort and local wildlife.

We look at how buildings can not only utilise natural resources for energy, water and heat, but how they can provide habitats for wildlife, enrich the soil and support sustainable local supply chains.

Circular economy principles are key to the way we work. This encompasses our approach to materials; from selecting bio-based materials, to the way we choose to detail the building fabric for deconstruction - our approach considers the building’s end of life and how its materials and components can be re-used or recycled.

Being included in the Regenerative Architecture Index 2026 is both an honour and an encouragement to continue pushing our work further. It reaffirms our belief that architecture can actively restore and enhance the environments it inhabits. As we look ahead, we remain committed to designing buildings that are not only sustainable, but truly regenerative - supporting ecosystems, communities and future generations alike.