dRMM’s Silvertown Tunnel project wins the Supreme Award at this year’s Brick Awards run by the Brick Development Association.
Silvertown Tunnel in London, designed by dRMM, has been named Supreme Winner at the 2025 BDA Brick Awards. The portal buildings for the Silvertown Tunnel use articulated Flemish bond brickwork to create striking gateway landmarks at each end of the 1.4km twin-bore route. The Greenwich Portal features a curved façade of Staffordshire Blue double bullnose bricks, while the Silvertown Portal combines plain and bullnose bricks in a conical, beacon-like form. Both employ recessed headers and joints to create depth, shadow and texture, referencing the rich brick heritage of their surroundings.
Robust Ketley Class A engineering bricks were selected for durability and resistance to water and frost, with CPI’s EuroMix black mortar enhancing the sculpted effect. The brickwork’s double-bullnose detailing follows curved geometries and emphasises corners and openings, while simpler bonds below DPC ensure waterproofing. Together, they deliver expressive, low-maintenance façades that fuse technical performance with architectural craft. The project also won the Craftsmanship & Contractors’ Choice category.
The competition for the Supreme Award was exceptionally close this year, resulting in the judges honouring Pembroke College with a Special Award of Excellence for its exceptional commitment to clay brick’s circularity. By seamlessly blending both reclaimed and new units, the project demonstrates how this timeless material can achieve a vital second life, retaining its strength, character, and beauty for generations to come while championing sustainable construction.
This year’s jury was chaired by Jonathan Hall (AHMM), alongside Lex Harrison (Arup), Alison J Duxbury (Triangle Architects), Amy Napier (Napier Clarke), Dave Mills (Lyons & Annoot), Dean Degun (Swift Brickwork Contractors), Luke Tozer (Pitman Tozer Architects), Mick Heir (Marlborough Brickwork), Sarah Firth (Haworth Tompkins), Fiona Scott (Gort Scott), and Neil Allen (Cara Brickwork).
The award winners are:
Supreme Winner, and Craftsmanship & Contractors’ Choice Award: Silvertown Tunnel, London
Architect: dRMM
Brick manufacturer: Ketley Brick Company
Brickwork contractor: AVV Solutions
“Excellent quality brickwork demonstrating outstanding craftsmanship, meticulous detailing, and careful planning. Mock-ups and early builds ensured precision, while thoughtful use of bullnose bricks and well-executed movement joints enhanced the overall façade.”
Architects’ Choice Award: Marylebone Place, London
Architect: Fletcher Priest Architects
Brick manufacturers: Bulmer Brick & Tile Co, Michelmersh Brick Holdings, Wienerberger
Brickwork contractors: Grangewood Brickwork Services, Techrete UK, JustFacades
Individual House Award: W House, London
Architect: Bureau de Change
Brick manufacturer: Forterra
Brickwork contractor: Property DMR
“An impressive transformation that combines precise craftsmanship, rich materials, and refined detailing to elevate a simple brick palette into an unexpected and delightful design.”
Housing Development Award (2-100 units): Lambton Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Architect: Pod
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brickwork contractor: Miller Homes
“An outstanding example of brickwork, executed to an exceptionally high standard and delivering a development of timeless quality that would sit beautifully in any setting.”
Highly Commended: Rowan Court
Large Housing Development Award (101+ units): Bulrush Court, London
Architect: Pitman Tozer Architects
Brick manufacturers: Ibstock, Michelmersh Brick Holdings
Brickwork contractor: S&L Contracts
“A refined and coherent composition, elevated by warm brick tones, subtle detailing, and durable base treatments.”
Highly commended: St Andrew’s Drive
Urban Regeneration Award: Ross Street Mews, Belfast
Architect: Studiorogers Architects
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brick contractor: Kelly Brothers Building Contractors
“A transformative project that turns a once-troubled street into a safe, vibrant, and connected community, delivered with meticulous care and under budget.”
Sustainability Award: The Bustardthorpe Development York Racecourse, York
Architect: Dawson Williamson Architects
Brick manufacturer: York Handmade Brick Company
Brickwork contractor: Keith Walton Brickwork
“The judges praised the winning project’s holistic approach, which considered every aspect of design and construction to minimise environmental impact, from using 70,000 locally handmade bricks to incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a living green roof. The adaptive reuse of existing structures, the use of locally sourced and natural materials, and the integration of smart building systems were highlighted as particularly impressive. Overall, the development was recognised as a model of sustainable, community-focused design that delivers measurable environmental benefits while enhancing the local context.”
Highly commended: Edith Road
Housebuilder Award: Crest Nicholson
Project 1: Brooklands
Architect: Jennings Design Architects
Brick manufacturer: Ibstock
Project 2: Gloucester Quays
Architect: Holder Mathias Architects
Brick manufacturer: Ibstock
“Delivering high-quality, sustainable homes and vibrant communities, combining craftsmanship, thoughtful placemaking, and innovation with a strong commitment to safety, talent development, and environmental responsibility.”
Public Award: BEAM, Hertford
Architect: Bennetts Associates
Brick manufacturer: HG Matthews
Brickwork contractor: Signature Brickwork
“A striking, versatile arts and culture venue with a playful, textured façade that thoughtfully engages with the town’s historic character.”
Highly commended: Randall Pattern Play
Education Award: Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge
Architect: Haworth Tompkins
Brick manufacturers: Reclaimed, Coleford Brick and Tile
Brickwork contractor: Cocksedge Building Contractors
“An exceptionally creative and thoughtful scheme, skilfully blending new and refurbished buildings around engaging courtyards, with imaginative use of materials and clever adaptation of historic features.”
Refurbishment Award: Tileyard North, Wakefield
Architect: Hawkins\Brown
Brick manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings
Brickwork contractor: Henley Stone
“A meticulous restoration that balances heritage preservation with modern usability, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and respect for the original fabric.”
Highly commended: Folgate Building
Innovation Award: TIDE Bankside, London
Architect: Squire & Partners
Brick manufacturer: Wienerberger
Brick contractor: Thorp Precast
“Highly innovative project showcasing exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. The use of water jet–cut brick delivers a unique, timeless façade, with clever material efficiency and beautifully revealed fired faces adding to its lasting appeal.”
Commercial Award: Island, Manchester
Architect: Cartwright Pickard
Brick manufacturer: Furness
Brickwork contractor: Techrete
“A striking example of contemporary brickwork, using off-site modular construction to achieve intricate detailing while blending historic character with modern durability and design innovation.”
Highly commended: Marylebone Place
Specialist Brickwork Contractor Award: Swift Brickwork Contractors
Project 1: The Oren, London
Architect: Stanton Williams
Brick manufacturer: Non UK
Project 2: The Bishops Stortford High School, Bishops Stortford
Architect: Bond Bryan
Brick manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings
“The 2025 winner is an industry-leading contractor demonstrating excellence across quality, safety, and workforce development. Swift Brickwork Contractors showcases innovation, precision, and a strong commitment to sustainability and client satisfaction. With rigorous quality management, a flawless safety record, and a proactive approach to training and apprenticeships, the company sets a benchmark for professionalism and continuous improvement in the brickwork industry.”
Worldwide Award: The City of Indigenous Arts, Tepic, Mexico
Architect: Estudio MMX
Brickwork contractor: El Puente
“A remarkable project that celebrates cultural identity through thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Its innovative geometry, warm atmospheres, and sustainable use of materials create a vibrant, inclusive public space that honours tradition while revitalising the heart of Tepic.”
