The jury was chaired by architect Sou Fujimoto, Founder & Principal, Sou Fujimoto Architects, Japan and included a distinguished panel of experts:

• Maria Atkinson AM – Chairperson of the Holcim Foundation Board, Sustainability Business Advisor, and Founding CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia
• Cyril Giraud – Head of Sustainability, Holcim Australia & New Zealand
• Shimul Javeri Kadri – Founding Partner, SJK Architects, India
• Ma Yansong – Founder & Principal Partner, MAD Architects, China
• Leonard Ng – Country Market Director APAC, Henning Larsen, Singapore
• Theresa Yeung – Director & East Asia Board Member, Arup, Hong Kong

Sou Fujimoto commented on the flexible nature of the discussions. He noted that jury members approached the process without fixed opinions, but through open dialogue, gradually deepened their understanding of each project—adjusting their perspectives step-by-step to reach consensus.

The diverse panel brought together deep expertise across architecture, engineering, and sustainable design, assessing projects against the Holcim Foundation’s core principles: uplifting places, a healthy planet, thriving communities, and viable economics.

Sou Fujimoto noted that experiencing this natural climate control first-hand made him consider how such methods could be applied more widely—greatly reducing energy use while enhancing comfort.

The outcomes of the jury deliberations will be celebrated at the Holcim Foundation Awards Ceremony to take place in November in Venice, Italy.