The 2018 Brick Awards has beaten its record number of entries, with 332 projects entering the competition across 15 categories.
A judging panel of experienced architects, planners, specialist brickwork contractors, developers and other design and brick experts produced a final shortlist of 110 projects.
Selected across three categories is the regeneration of the former BBC Television Centre (pictured). Picking up nominations in the Large Housing Development, Innovation and Commercial categories, the project uses brick to meet both the aesthetic requirements of such a prestigious project and seamlessly link all elements of the project’s construction. Judges agreed that the final outcome of the project was a stunning display of traditionally laid brickwork being used alongside modern methods of construction encompassing large format precast panels and lightweight brick slip cladding.
Refurbishment, a category that always sees a high number of entrants thanks to brick’s sustainable quality, saw an artistic entry this year with Turner’s House making it through to the inspection stage of the judging process. Turner’s House is a small, grade II listed, early C19th villa, designed by the painter J.M.W.Turner. The building deteriorated over the years but now, thanks to a clever use of original and new brick, it has been restored to its former glory.
The judges were also impressed with Ouseburn Road in Newcastle, nominated in the Small Housing Development category. The project’s brief called for two houses for a pair of neighbours looking to downsize. Both homes provide modest accommodation on a restricted budget in the back gardens of standard terrace houses. The construction is fairly traditional and the innovation comes from turning this ordinary scenario into architecture that enhances the user experience and contributes positively to the urban environment.
“What is great about the Brick Awards is how they can be for both craftsmanship and innovation. The awards are about architecture in its broadest sense, and they consider a great range of building types, locations and densities,” Hilary Satchwell, Director at Tibbalds and Brick Awards 2018 head judge, said.
The winners will be announced at the Brick Awards ceremony on the 8th November at London’s Park Lane Hilton Hotel.
You can see the shortlist in full here.
