Schools, art galleries and nature reserves are all in the running for the hallowed Stirling Prize, having received awards of architectural excellence from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Buildings of all shapes, sizes and costs, have made the cut in RIBA’s top 50 UK buildings in a year which it says has “revealed a trend which could be coined austerity chic.” For example, while London’s 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium has been recognised, so has a rear extension to a suburban Belfast home, writes guardian.co.uk.

London’s 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium recognised

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Kevin McCloud home project “The Triangle” is listed

A relatively cheap housing scheme developed by Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud is also listed. His 42 home project, known as The Triangle and designed by Birmingham architect Glenn Howells, cost just £4.2 million to build – a drop in the ocean compared to some of the other projects.

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The race is on for the Stirling Prize

With the addition of nine more buildings, selected from EU territories, the race is now well and truly on for RIBA’s biggest prize – the Stirling Prize.

RIBA president Angela Brady says that the economic climate has led to the use of some great materials this year; possibly including environmentally-friendly, low-cost wall cladding – and some fantastic innovations.

“What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and enhance our daily lives,” she said, cites itv.com.

“The judges were delighted to see so many well considered, crafted and innovative projects and the use of beautiful materials; these projects are truly exciting and inspiring.”