A HOTEL in Porth has been nominated for a top architectural award.

SeaSpace has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South West and Wessex Awards 2026.

Cornish architect Kay Elliot Architects helped to transform the former Sands Resort into a vibrant, community-focused aparthotel destination.

The architects preserved its distinctive monopitch roofs and iconic archways rather than demolishing the outdated 1970s building.

The interiors feature a mid-century modern vibe inspired by the 1950s British seaside and the Memphis Group movement, characterized by terrazzo floors, rich veneers, and a "Miami-style" palette.

Seaspace is among 17 projects shortlisted for RIBA Awards. The buildings will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring.

The winners will then be considered for several RIBA South West and Wessex Special Awards, including the RIBA South West and Wessex Sustainability Award and RIBA South West and Wessex Building of the Year, before being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be announced in summer.

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK’s best new building, will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects and announced in September.

The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.

RIBA South West and Wessex Jury chair, Sam Goss, founding director at Barefoot Architects, said: “This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth, ambition and quality of work being delivered by practices across the South West.

“The projects demonstrate a commitment to craft, with sensitive and often inventive responses to our landscape, towns and cities, alongside thoughtful explorations of materials and construction. Traditional building types are reimagined alongside innovative architectural approaches, resulting in work of real diversity and distinction.

“Each shortlisted project is clearly the product of close collaboration between committed clients, skilled contractors and dedicated design teams, united in the pursuit of buildings and landscapes that exemplify the highest standards of conservation, design excellence and environmental sustainability.”