Wienerberger announces shortlist for BRICK AWARD 26, celebrating global brick architecture

Wienerberger announces shortlist for BRICK AWARD 26, celebrating global brick architecture

(IN BRIEF) Wienerberger has announced the shortlist for BRICK AWARD 26, featuring 50 projects from 21 countries across five continents. Chosen from 849 submissions, the shortlisted works range from homes and urban housing to cultural landmarks and experimental designs, with all projects to be featured in the BRICK 26 Book. Highlights include the Shafagh Tomb in Iran, the Aga Khan Academy in Bangladesh, Studio RAP’s Ceramic House in Amsterdam, and the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in Australia. Winners will be selected by an international jury of leading architects and designers, with the awards ceremony set for 11 June 2026 in Vienna. The BRICK AWARD, organised by Wienerberger but run independently, continues to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and the timeless potential of brick in global architecture.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 1-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Wienerberger has revealed the shortlist for the prestigious international BRICK AWARD 26, showcasing 50 exceptional projects from 21 countries across five continents. Recognised for their creativity, sustainability, and innovative use of brick and ceramic materials, the shortlisted designs highlight how architects around the world continue to push the boundaries of modern architecture with a timeless material.

Shafagh Tomb, Iran – 35-51 Architecture office © 35-51 Architecture office

Since its launch in 2004, the BRICK AWARD has been presented every two years, offering a global platform to celebrate architectural excellence and innovative approaches to design. While Wienerberger serves as the organiser and host, the award remains fully independent, with participation not tied to the use of Wienerberger products. All shortlisted entries are set to be featured in the iconic BRICK 26 Book, a publication dedicated to visionary brick-based projects.

Selected from a pool of 849 submissions, the 50 shortlisted projects span categories including Feeling at Home, Living Together, Working Together, Sharing Public Spaces, and Building Outside the Box. They were chosen by an expert pre-jury consisting of journalist and author Wojciech Czaja, ceramic artist and architect Maria Gasparian, and architect Špela Kuhar, founder of the Centre of Architecture Slovenia.

Aga Khan Academy, Bangladesh – Shatotto architecture for green living © Asif Salman, Sarker Protick, City Syntax

The shortlist demonstrates the breadth of global brick architecture: from the Shafagh Tomb in Iran, redefining sacred space with flowing inscriptions, to the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, blending education with urban relief; from Studio RAP’s 3D-printed Ceramic House facade in Amsterdam to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in Australia, which carefully weaves remembrance into contemporary brick and glass design.

The winners of BRICK AWARD 26 will be selected by an esteemed panel of international architects and designers, including Gabriela Carrillo (Colectivo C733), Christine Conix (Conix RDBM), Jens Linnet (BOGL), Traudy Pelzel (MAP studio), and Eduardo Mediero (HANGHAR). The official awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Vienna on 11 June 2026, celebrating the most innovative projects that embody the cultural and sustainable potential of brick in architecture.

Ceramic House, Netherlands – Studio RAP © Riccardo De Vecchi

The BRICK AWARD continues to highlight the relevance of brick and ceramics as versatile, ecological, and future-facing materials. From experimental projects in Asia to adaptive reuse in Europe, and from residential developments in the Americas to cultural landmarks in Africa, the 2026 shortlist underscores brick’s enduring role in shaping architecture that is both rooted in tradition and boldly innovative.

White Bricks House – Brazil – Bloco arquitetos © Joana Franca

Media Contacts:

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

SOURCE: Wienerberger AG