The Brick Awards which first took place in 1977 are one of Britain's most respected design competitions.

Organised by the Brick Development Association, the annual contest provides the definitive showcase for what brick can achieve. This year, there were a record number of entries, with projects from right across the globe.

The judging panel chaired by Bob Allies of Allies and Morrison, commented: "Brick is continuing to increase its profile and we are seeing some excellent brick buildings. We are not looking for perfection, but aspiration and excellence in the design and use of brick. It has been surprising and very refreshing to see how brick is being used softly and innovatively as well as being robust. There is a growing confidence to do different things with brick and in varying formats. The standard of beautiful craftsmanship also continues to increase."

The winners for the 2011 Brick Awards, each showing excellence in different aspects of design and construction were:

The Supreme Winner

The Lyric Theatre, Belfast by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects. Brickwork Contractor Gilbert Ash NI Ltd used Ibstock’s Heritage Red Blend bricks.

Best Housing Development 1 - 5 Units

31 – 32 Dolben Street by Association of Ideas Architects. Masters Construction – Brickwork Contractor used Copper Glazed bricks from Ibstock.

Best Housing Development 6 - 25 Units


Bermondsey Island designed by Proctor Urban Salon. Ibstock’s Tilebrick by Brickwork Contractor JP Flaherty Brickwork were used.

Best Housing Development 26+ Units

Union Phase Block B, London by Maccreanor Lavington Architects. Contractor Rapid Brickwork Ltd used Cheddar Brown, Milburn Ashen Brown Blend and Smooth Buff bricks from Ibstock.

Volume Housebuilding

Barratt Homes, for three developments in East London, Mercia and West Midlands, all using bricks made by Ibstock.

Innovative Use of Clay Products

Lawn House designed by Penny Shankar Design who specified Hanson Building Products – Yorkshire Red Blend (Prefabricated Masonry Cavity Panels), installed by Brickwork Contractor Irvine Whitlock.

Specialist Brickwork Contractor

Gilbert Ash NI Ltd for three projects using bricks made by Ibstock.

Best Craftsmanship Project

Imperial Ordnance Survey HQ by Broadway Malyan Architects. Contractor Kier Southern used Ibstock’s Priory Red bricks.

Best Commercial Building

Holiday Inn Express designed by Stephenson Bell Architects. Blockleys Smooth Black bricks by Michelmarsh Holdings PLC were used by contractor Russell Construction.

Best Public Building (and Supreme Winner)

The Lyric Theatre, Belfast by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects. Brickwork Contractor Gilbert Ash NI Ltd used Ibstock’s Heritage Red Blend bricks.

Best Educational Building

Charles Carter Building by John McAslan and Partners Architects. Wienerberger Ltds Midnight Unsanded were used by Brickwork Contractor PLF Brickwork Ltd / Advanced Construction Systems.

Best Refurbishment and Regeneration Project

Newton & Arkwright Buildings, Nottingham Trent University designed by Hopkins Architects LLP. Brickwork Contractor Irvine Whitlock used Ibstock’s Coalville brick.

Best Outdoor Space Project

Sullingstead by Francis and Edward Architects. Brickwork Contractor: Bluefish Landscapes used bricks from Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC Freshfield Lane Handmade Facing, Charnwood Horsham Mix & Michelmersh Mellow Creasing Tile.

Best International Project

Dundee House designed by Reiach and Hall Architects. Petersen D71 bricks were used by Brickwork Contractor Lesterose Scotland Ltd.

Worldwide Brick

Gairola House by Anagram Archiects. SS Builders used locally available bricks.

Entries are now being invited for the 2012 Brick Awards. You can download entry forms from the BDA’s website www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards or a hard copy can be requested by emailing brick@brick.org.uk or by calling 020 7323 7030.