2022 Brick Awards

Purcell wins the Supreme Award with its striking yet sympathetic extension to Radley College Chapel in Oxfordshire.

Purcell’s extension to Radley College Chapel in Oxfordshire has been named Supreme Winner at the 2022 BDA Brick Awards. Constructed using Northcot Brick, the design includes a striking octagonal Sanctuary located at the east end of the chapel. The north and south apses have also expanded, to provide extra raised seating. Northcot Brick was able to match the bricks to the original 1894 chapel and worked closely with specialist subcontractor OG Stonemasonry to create three bespoke brick blends in imperial sizes that matched the colour and texture of the existing chapel – both internally and externally. The project also won the Contractors Choice and Craftsmanship categories.

Keith Aldis, chief executive of the Brick Development Association, commented: “The standard of the entries for this year’s Brick Awards, the Oscars of the brick industry, has been exceptional. Each category has been hotly contested and the judges had to make some tremendously difficult decisions, with a few very close calls. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations not only to the winners of tonight’s awards, but also to everyone who was shortlisted and commended. You should all be very proud.”

This year’s jury was chaired by Gerard Maccreanor (Maccreanor Lavington) and included Jonathan Hall (Allford Hall Monaghan Morris), Alison Duxbury (Triangle Architects), and Dean Degun (Swift Brickwork). The award winners are:

Supreme Winner, Contractors Choice Award, and Craftsmanship Award: Radley College Chapel extension, Oxfordshire

Architect: Purcell
Brick manufacturer: Northcot Brick
Brickwork contractor: OG Stonemasonry Contractors

“The overall use of brickwork and well-considered complimentary materials work fully within a historic context, yet the building is still very much 21st century, vibrant and exciting.”

Sustainability Award – Commercial: The Department Store Studios, London

Architect: Squire & Partners
Brick manufacturers: Michelmersh Brick Holdings, Ibstock Brick
Brickwork contractor: Lyons & Anoot

“This building is subtly beautiful, complimenting the local area perfectly and future proofed through its mixed use and flexible design.”

Sustainability Award – Residential: Barratt Zed House, Manchester

Architect: Barratt Homes
Brick manufacturer: Forterra
Brickwork contractor: Barratt Homes

“Barratt have done a fantastic job of considering the sustainability of the materials as well as how the entire project performs.”

Architects Choice Award: Woodmore Mews, London

Architect: Peter Barber Architects
Brick manufacturer: Forterra
Brickwork contractor: Neilcott Construction

“A masterclass of working the humble brick with such finesse and artistry! Sculptural, whimsical, bold and well-articulated architecture – these homes sit very well on site with clever and sensitive referencing to the verticality of the nearby church tower.”

Individual Housing Development Award: Chelwood, Amersham

Architect: Napier Clarke Architects
Brick manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings
Brickwork contractor: D Mitchell Brickwork and Building Contractors

“A combination of creative design and well-executed brickwork.”

Small Housing Development Award: Gardenmore Green, Belfast

Architect: Hall Black Douglas Architects
Brick manufacturers: Ibstock Brick, Wienerberger
Brickwork contractor: Derryleckagh Contracts

“The creativity of the project is thought provoking, the houses are interesting and have been carefully crafted.”

Medium Housing Development Award: The Gables, Liverpool

Architect: DK Architects
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brick Contractor: L&B Brickwork

“Very clever design to allow space despite the density of buildings.”

Large Housing Development Award: Goodluck Hope, London

Architects: Allies & Morrison, Todd Architects
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brickwork contractor: Lee Marley Brickwork

“Excellent example of where a well-curated menu of selected bricks can work together very successfully at the hands of architects who care about the overall streetscape and sense of identity within such a rich tapestry of old industrial land and buildings.”

Urban Regeneration Award: Neptune Wharf At Fish Island Village, London

Architect: Haworth Tompkins
Brick manufacturers: Northcot Brick, Michelmersh Brick Holdings, Forterra
Brickwork contractor: The Progressive Group

“The architecture is superb! This beautiful waterfront development on the canal raises the bar.”

Housebuilder Award: Croudace Homes Group

Projects: Halstead, Kent; Lindfield, West Sussex
Architect: Croudace Homes Group
Brick manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings

“Refreshing approach to quality, health and safety, training and skills, apprentices.”

Public Award: The Alder Centre, Liverpool

Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brickwork contractor: Whitfield and Brown (Developments)

“Clay bricks have been used to excellent effect. The rational, elegant design balances solidity with transparency with generous glazing between a series of parallel exposed brickwork walls bringing the garden into the room.”

Education Award: Royal College Of Art Battersea Campus, London

Architect: Herzog & De Meuron
Brick manufacturer: Ibstock Brick
Brickwork contractor: Swift Brickwork Contractors

“Very innovative while remaining within a much more limited budget than Tate Switch House to which it bears some similarities. Very ingenious use of snapped headers. The concept of displaying the interior materiality of the brick relates closely to the function of the building as a school for industrial design among other arts. Beautiful and innovative without being too precious and maintaining an industrial aesthetic.”

Refurbishment Award: Houlton School, Rugby

Architect: van Heyningen and Haward Architects
Brick manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings
Brickwork contractor: Caxton Builders

“The reuse of the existing building and new build blocks are well planned and architecturally exciting, despite very tight state school budgets.”

Innovation Award: Battersea Power Station, London

Architects: WilkinsonEyre, Purcell, Nansi Jones
Brick manufacturers: Northcot Brick, Michelmersh Brick Holdings
Brick contractor: Paye Stonework and Restoration

“The seamless repair of the original facades is testament to the skill of the whole team involved for the past seven years breathing new life into the iconic building.”

Specialist Brickwork Contractor Award: Lee Marley Brickwork

Project 1: E20 (BBC Eastenders site), Hertfordshire
Architect: Jenkins Design Services
Brick Manufacturer: Wienerberger
Project 2: 79 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London
Architect: Sergison Bates Architects
Brick Manufacturer: Ibstock Brick