Níall McLaughlin Architects Clinch Top Prize at Prestigious Brick Award

Níall McLaughlin Architects Clinch Top Prize at Prestigious Brick Award

(IN BRIEF) Wienerberger’s renowned Brick Award, held biannually since 2004 to celebrate ingenuity and excellence in brick architecture, concluded its eleventh edition in Vienna. Among 743 entries from 54 nations, the jury, comprising esteemed architects from around the globe, selected five winning projects and an overall grand prize winner across categories such as “Feeling at home,” “Living together,” “Working together,” “Sharing public spaces,” and “Building outside the box.” Criteria including aesthetics, sustainability, and innovation guided the jury’s decisions. CEO Heimo Scheuch emphasized the pivotal role of architects in addressing contemporary challenges, lauding the winners’ innovative use of brick. The grand prize, worth €7,000, was awarded to Níall McLaughlin Architects for their “International Rugby Experience” in Limerick, while other categories recognized projects from Paraguay, Argentina, Ireland, Spain, and Mexico. The accompanying publication, “BRICK 24,” showcases the winning designs alongside essays on contemporary brick architecture, reinforcing clay materials’ timeless appeal and suitability for forward-thinking construction.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 7-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In Vienna, the eleventh edition of the prestigious Brick Award, established by wienerberger in 2004 to celebrate ingenuity and excellence in brick architecture, drew global attention. A staggering 743 submissions from 54 countries flooded in, underlining the enduring relevance and boundless creativity within the brick architecture realm. From this diverse pool of talent, 50 outstanding projects emerged as nominees, captivating the discerning eyes of an esteemed jury.

The jury, comprising five distinguished architects from around the world, meticulously scrutinized each entry against a backdrop of criteria encompassing aesthetics, sustainability, and innovation. Their deliberations culminated in the selection of five winners across distinct categories, including “Feeling at home”, “Living together”, “Working together”, “Sharing public spaces”, and “Building outside the box”, alongside an overarching grand prize recipient.

Reflecting on the significance of these accolades, Heimo Scheuch, CEO of wienerberger, remarked, “Today, architects confront multifaceted challenges, demanding solutions that marry environmental stewardship with affordability and innovation. The remarkable projects honored by this year’s Brick Award embody the visionary spirit essential for navigating these complexities.”

The coveted grand prize, accompanied by €7,000 in prize money, was awarded to Níall McLaughlin Architects for their exemplary work on the “International Rugby Experience” in Limerick, Ireland. This exhibition and events center, nestled within the city’s historic fabric, seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary design principles.

Other noteworthy winners include Equipo de Arquitectura from Paraguay for their sustainable “Intermediate House”, Estudio Arqtipo from Argentina for their innovative approach to multi-party housing, and the collaborative efforts of Grafton Architects and O’Mahony Pike Architects from Ireland for their harmonious fusion of modernity and tradition in the workplace.

Additionally, the collaborative project between HANGHAR and PALMA from Spain and Mexico respectively, stood out for its creative flair, earning acclaim in the category of “Building outside the box”.

Complementing the awards, wienerberger unveiled the “BRICK 24” book, a compendium showcasing the 50 shortlisted projects alongside insightful essays by international authors. This publication serves as a testament to the enduring allure and adaptability of brick architecture, reaffirming its place at the forefront of contemporary design.

With each edition, the Brick Award reaffirms its status as a beacon of innovation, celebrating architects who push the boundaries of creativity while embracing the timeless appeal of brick as a building material.

The BRICK 24 Book

As in previous years, wienerberger publishes a book entitled “BRICK 24”, which accompanies the architectural competition. It features the 50 shortlisted projects, including the winners. Five essays by international authors complete this overview of contemporary brick architecture. The book puts the spotlight on clay building materials – which are timeless and a perfect fit for forward-looking and innovative architecture. Published in cooperation with Park Books.

All information regarding the projects as well as photos to download can be found in the press kit above.

wienerberger
wienerberger is a leading international provider of innovative, ecological solutions for the entire building envelope, in the fields of new buildings and renovations, as well as infrastructure in water and energy management. With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, wienerberger’s solutions enable energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable living. wienerberger is the world’s largest producer of bricks and the market leader in clay roof tiles in Europe as well as concrete pavers in Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (ceramic and plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. By acquiring Meridian Brick, wienerberger further strengthened its position as a leading supplier of facade products in North America. With its more than 200 production sites, wienerberger generated revenues of approx. € 4.2 billion and an operating EBITDA of € 811 million in 2023.

Media Contact:

Claudia Hajdinyak
Head of Corporate Communications
Wienerberger AG
+43 664 8283183
claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com

SOURCE: Wienerberger AG