Michelmersh explores the schemes that provided it with five wins across five categories at the 2023 BDA Brick Awards.

Michelmersh Group was excited to see five wins across five categories at the 47th Brick Development Association (BDA) Brick Awards. This year’s awards showcased the ever-expanding use of brick across the construction industry, with notable contributions in the Urban Regeneration, Innovation, and Refurbishment categories, as well as celebrating brick architecture across the wide spectrum of more traditional uses. A total of 18 categories showcased some truly fantastic applications of clay brick by all manufacturers.

Clay Bricks from Michelmersh were featured in the following winning projects, with a commendation given to Eton College Sports & Aquatics Centre by Hopkins Architects in the Education Category.

Small Housing Development – Becontree

Archio recently completed a unique villa project within the Becontree Estate as part of a significant house-building initiative in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Gracing numerous awards across the architectural industry already, the ‘gentle density’ development comprises 19 residences across two buildings and a community space. Archio drew inspiration from the Becontree Estate’s rich history, resulting in a design that pays homage to the Neo-Georgian style and maximises daylight, while also prioritising energy efficiency. Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi helped successfully blend this project into the area’s warm, homely London context.

Urban Regeneration – Queens Quay

Queens Quay by MAST Architects is a mixed-use project in Clydebank, Scotland, located on a former shipyard site. It represents the initial phase of a residential development plan to reintegrate the waterfront with the town, emphasising stunning views and contemporary aesthetics. The bold use of Blockley’s Porcelain White Smooth, together with complementary products, harmonises the build within its nautical surroundings.

Commercial – Globe Point

Globe Point in Leeds, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, is a six-story office building with a focus on sustainability and community integration. The building’s handmade brickwork, energy-efficient features, and community space demonstrate that beauty, functionality, and sustainability can coexist. Eye-catching facades of Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi enabled FCB Studios to win the commercial category.

Public – Black Country Living Museum

The Black Country Living Museum visitor centre, designed by Napier Clarke, serves as a gateway to the museum’s reimagination and densification. The building’s design reflects the area’s industrial heritage and features a sustainable and innovative approach. An unmistakable use of Selected Darks merged beautifully with the application of dark metal to create a sleek, modern design.

Worldwide – International Rugby Experience

The International Rugby Experience in Limerick has quickly become a top tourist attraction in Ireland. Designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects, this ‘experience’ immerses visitors in the world of rugby, with its sleek design and impressive brickwork detailing. The building’s blend of red bricks from Charnwood adds a classic touch to the facility.

These new winners join the ranks of remarkable architectural achievements celebrated at the BDA Brick Awards, showcasing innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence in the world of brick architecture. The Michelmersh Group continues to play a significant role in promoting the use of bricks in sustainable and creative construction projects, setting a high standard for the industry while celebrating the Group’s success.

“We are thrilled to have garnered almost a third of the awards presented during this year’s event,” commented Joint CEO Frank Hanna. “These accolades are a testament to the pivotal role that our products play in the realm of housing developments, public buildings and commercial developments, underscoring the exceptional environmental and sustainability attributes of clay brick across the country. The recognition of these influential projects and Michelmersh’s wider success in National RIBA awards on additional educational, urban regeneration, and retrofit developments further enhances the architype of durable, beautiful and inspiring British brick architecture, for a future built environment we can be proud of.”

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