The trophies for the Drawing of the Year Awards 2026 have been designed by Archisource using Spolia, a pioneering terrazzo material supplied by Solus Ceramics that is revolutionising the construction industry’s approach to waste

Rooted in the language of construction and material reuse, the trophies transform the waste from building sites - from scaffold remnants, screws and nuts, to brick and glass - into striking sculptural objects. Their forms take inspiration from familiar building materials, offering a contemporary reinterpretation to celebrate both architectural craft and circular design

Produced in the UK by Quiligotti, the nation’s last remaining terrazzo manufacturer at commercial scale, and through Spolia’s use of demolition waste aggregates and low-carbon cement, each trophy becomes a unique record of reuse and revitalisation, with every fragment embedded in the terrazzo telling a story, as the elements that make up the drawings they are celebrating

Spolia is a pioneering terrazzo range made in the UK that reimagines the construction industry’s relationship with waste supplied by Solus Ceramics. Proudly produced by Quiligotti, the nation’s last remaining terrazzo manufacturer at commercial scale, Spolia builds on a long tradition of terrazzo craftsmanship with a modern, sustainable approach

Sustainability is at the heart of Spolia, extending beyond its material composition. By using demolition waste as aggregate and low-carbon cement as a binder, Spolia reduces the environmental impact of terrazzo production while giving discarded materials a renewed purpose. Manufactured in the UK, it also helps minimise transportation emissions and supports local production. Terrazzo’s natural durability and repairability further contribute to a long lifespan, reducing the need for replacement over time

Alongside a range of 21 standard colours, Spolia offers a bespoke service that allows waste materials from individual project sites to be incorporated into one-of-a-kind terrazzo creations. The result is a product entirely unique to each building, with every fragment embedded within the tile telling a story of the site’s history, materiality, and potential for reuse

Over the past seven years, the Drawing of the Year trophies have evolved in parallel with the values and purpose they represent. Designed by ARCHISOURCE DESIGN STUDIO, each trophy reflects a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the rediscovery of beauty hidden within materials traditionally considered waste. Centred around creating objects that are not only visually interesting but also deeply meaningful, the trophies celebrate the intersection of craftsmanship, experimentation, and responsible design.

Presented to the winners and finalists, these crafted objects stand as physical expressions of the images themselves, each telling a story of process, materiality, and purpose.

A defining characteristic of the trophies is their exploration of materials. Each year the trophy has been carefully designed to reflect the ethos and inherent qualities of the material - a principle that has consistently underpinned the design.

Together, the trophies form a growing collection that charts a history of design thinking: one that places material honesty, innovation, and environmental responsibility at the forefront. These objects act as physical manifestations of how thoughtful design can transform materials, often considered waste, into something lasting, meaningful, and celebrated.

Archisource has continually collaborated with innovators working in waste plastic, bioplastic, sand, sea shells, eggshells, and flexible wood, celebrating the unique qualities of each material and the process through which it is crafted.

Sustainability has always played a significant role in the trophies’ design. The use of dukta’s sustainably sourced engineered wood enabled the design to push wood beyond its preconceived capabilities and typical forms, celebrating material expression.

The collaboration with SANDHELDEN combined the natural material sand with the precision and possibilities of 3D printing. By re-using plastic waste with Smile Plastics and closing the loop, discarded resources were given new life and transformed into beautiful, unique designs.

With Nature Squared, waste eggshells and discarded pen shell were transformed through artisan craft to reveal the beauty within natural fracture, while supporting responsible local material sourcing.

Through these explorations, the Drawing of the Year trophies invite us to see materials differently, not as limitations, but as opportunities for creativity, responsibility, and reinvention.