Top 5 Architectural Design Trends for 2026—And Where Mitrex Is Leading the Way

1. Deep Retrofits: Redefining What a Building Is

In 2026, retrofitting isn’t just about aesthetic upgrades—it’s about complete transformation. Aging buildings are being reimagined as cultural landmarks, clean energy assets, and symbols of a city’s climate leadership. With funding programs, ESG pressures, and embodied carbon concerns accelerating retrofits, developers and owners are embracing building reuse as a form of architectural reinvention.

Mitrex in Action:

Mitrex BIPV solutions enable these complete transformations. Mitrex’s customizable Solar Facades are comparable in price to traditional materials and allow buildings to reinvent themselves with energy-generating building materials, all without sacrificing design intent and aesthetics: achieving a new look and meeting sustainability goals. 

• The SunRise Residence project stands as a world-first: the largest solar mural on the planet, and a complete visual and environmental reinvention of a mid-century high-rise. Powered by Mitrex eFacade PRO and PRO+, this deep retrofit didn't just save energy—it transformed the building into a record-setting cultural landmark and energy-generating powerplant.
  
  Read about the SunRise Project
  
  
• At St. Mary’s University, Mitrex BIPV was used to modernize a 70-year-old student residence, with the building’s performance publicly displayed on a live dashboard. It’s not just efficient—it teaches sustainability by design.
  
  Read about the Project
  
  

2. Net-Zero Carbon: From Premium to Baseline

As climate regulations tighten, net-zero isn’t aspirational—it’s expected. New projects and major retrofits are being designed around carbon targets, and building systems that reduce emissions alone aren’t enough. To meet 2026 goals, buildings must generate clean power on-site while still meeting functional and aesthetic needs.

Mitrex in Action:

Mitrex BIPV allows every surface touched by the sun to generate clean energy, turning buildings into Micro Power Plants, helping offset carbon emissions and reach sustainability goals. In fact, Mitrex products can help buildings achieve 41 LEED points and serve as an essential component in buildings achieving sustainability targets. 

• The 308 Colony development in Winnipeg is designed to be a net-zero carbon emissions high-rise, one of the first of its kind in Canada. Featuring over 12,000 sq. ft. of Mitrex BIPV and generating approximately 150 MWh of clean energy annually, this system plays a critical role in offsetting emissions while blending seamlessly into the building’s urban envelope.
  
  Check out 308 Colony
  
  

3. Smart & Responsive Building Materials

The smart building revolution is extending to the skin of the structure itself. In 2026, owners and facility managers expect live feedback on energy performance, operational status, and maintenance—not just from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, but from the facade.

Facades are now becoming data-producing assets, capable of integrating with broader energy monitoring and automation platforms.

Mitrex in Action:

Every Mitrex BIPV system comes with built-in performance monitoring, allowing users to view panel-level data in real time through Mitrex’s monitoring platform. Where building owners can monitor the system, see performance tracking metrics, schedule inspections, and more.

• At St. Mary’s University, a live display in the lobby allows students and staff to monitor daily energy generation—turning the building envelope into a visible sustainability tool.
  
  

4. Prefabricated and Modular Systems

Labour shortages, safety risks, and compressed timelines are pushing more architects and developers toward off-site fabrication. Modular rainscreen systems reduce installation time, increase quality control, and improve cost certainty—making them ideal for multi-phase or deadline-driven projects.

In 2026, the industry is rapidly shifting toward repeatable, prefabricated, and performance-integrated systems—especially those that deliver more than just cladding.

Mitrex in Action:

Mitrex BIPV systems are engineered for flexibility and efficiency. Every product in the eFacade lineup (LITE, PRO, PRO+, and TILT) is manufactured at our Toronto location and shipped and ready to install the moment it lands on-site. The products can be installed with our Cladishield (Rainscreen) system or our Clafidab (Prefab) system. 

Panels are available in a wide range of standardized and custom sizes with pre-assembled pieces reaching up to 10.7m (420 inches) long. This allows Mitrex products to fit the need of any building, whether it’s modular construction or bespoke projects. Check out the full details on https://www.mitrex.com/bipv/shapes-sizes

This dual approach gives developers and architects maximum freedom—whether they’re working on a landmark design or a high-volume, fast-paced rollout.

5. Biophilic and Human-Centred Design

As the post-COVID era redefines how we interact with buildings, there's a growing demand for environments that support mental health, creativity, and connection to nature. Biophilic design is evolving beyond greenery to include flowing forms, daylight integration, and material tactility.

Buildings in 2026 are expected to be both high-performance and emotionally resonant—reflecting their surroundings, welcoming occupants, and celebrating design.

Mitrex in Action:

• Mitrex’s Solar Glass lets architects design transparent or semi-transparent surfaces that generate power while allowing natural light in, ideal for curtain walls, skylights, and windows like those found in atriums, lobbies, and civic centres.
  
  
• Mitrex also offers custom curved solar modules, allowing designers to introduce organic forms and flowing movement into solar-integrated architecture—bridging utility and beauty.
  
  
• The SunRise mural is a case in point: solar panels arranged not in grids, but as an expression of community identity—proof that aesthetics and energy don’t have to compete.

Looking Forward: The Solar-Integrated Decade

2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in architecture: a shift from functional sustainability to expressive sustainability. The industry is demanding smarter systems, faster construction, and bolder design statements that don’t compromise environmental goals.

With a suite of modular, EPD-certified BIPV solutions including eFacade LITE, PRO, PRO+, and TILT, Mitrex is enabling a new generation of buildings that are responsive, regenerative, and remarkable.

View our full solar cladding catalogue: Download specs, EPDs, and certifications