Ibstock, the UK’s largest brickmaker, is celebrating success at the prestigious 2014 Brick Development Association’s (BDA) Brick Awards.
Eight projects which incorporate Ibstock bricks won awards and one project received a special commendation. This success follows a bumper 2014 shortlist which featured 46 construction projects using Ibstock bricks – a total accounting for more than half of all those shortlisted.
Recognising excellence in design and construction using brick and in their 37th year, the awards are the premier showcase for the brick industry and one of the longest running design awards in the UK.
The winning projects represent the true diversity and design appeal offered by brick as a construction material and showcase how Ibstock products are helping to build the face of Britain. Housebuilding projects which used Ibstock bricks triumphed in several categories. For Best Housing Development (1-5 units), a house in Wapping which had been vacant for three years and had been transformed came out on top. The judges noted how it demonstrated brick’s potential as a material for residential construction and how it is a well-executed and well-built family home – ‘an absolutely stunning building of real architectural quality’.
The Quay, Waterside in London won Best Housing Development (6 – 25 units) and Best Housing Development (26 & more units) was won by Abode at Great Kneighton. The judges recognised it as an exemplary development, which used the landscape well, with a well thought-out layout which fits superbly into its surroundings. Best Volume Housebuilding was won by Barratt Developments for its Bentley Priory, Horizons and Trumpington Meadows sites, which all use Ibstock bricks.
Wins were also secured on projects benefitting from Ibstock bricks in the Best Craftmanship award category for Eton College, Best Outdoor Space for Reading Station and Best International for Dalkey Avenue in Dublin - a unique house which overlooks the city and the sea. Specialist Brickwork Contractor of the Year was won by Lee Marley Brickwork for its work on Eton College, Reading Station and Bromley Road – all of which used Ibstock bricks to create outstanding designs.
Kings Road Arches in Brighton completed the award success for projects using Ibstock bricks, receiving a special commendation in the Best Refurbishment and Renovation category.
Andrew Halstead-Smith, group marketing manager at Ibstock, says: “Firstly, we want to thank the architects, specifiers and contractors who continue to use our bricks on such inspiring builds. Over the past decade, Ibstock bricks have been used in 66 award-winning projects – more than any other brickmaker, so it is great to see so many projects recognised once again. The winning projects are of the highest calibre and demonstrate how brick can really deliver some exceptionally unique and high-quality buildings.
“The importance of brick as a construction material was reflected by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson recently during his speech at the Conservative Party Conference, following his visit to our Chesterton factory. These award-winning projects are another example of how brick continues to build the face of Britain. We’re looking forward to Ibstock bricks featuring in more inspirational builds in 2015.”
