Brick Awards 2026 celebrates 50 years of architectural excellence as winners revealed

The Brick Development Association (BDA) marked a milestone 50th anniversary of the Brick Awards last night (4th November), celebrating the very best in clay brick architecture, design and craftsmanship at a prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster London.

Hosted by television presenter Phil Spencer MBE, the black-tie event brought together leading figures from across the architecture and construction industries, including architects, manufacturers, contractors and bricklayers, for an evening recognising the exceptional talent and projects shaping the built environment.

Now celebrating five decades of excellence, the Brick Awards continue to demonstrate the extraordinary versatility of clay brick, with this year's 19 awards recognising projects ranging from individual homes and major residential developments to cultural landmarks, educational buildings and ambitious regeneration schemes.

Celebrating the very best in brick architecture

The evening's highest accolade, the Supreme Award, was presented to Shoemakers Museum in Somerset, designed by Purcell Architects, with bricks supplied by Northcot Brick and brickwork delivered by A. Willmott Brickwork.

The project enjoyed a remarkable evening, also collecting the Public and Sustainability awards. The judges praised its exceptional craftsmanship, sensitive response to the site's 200-year history and thoughtful approach to sustainability, recognising its successful integration of historic structures with contemporary architectural design.

Other standout projects included Chelsea Waterfront Powerhouse, which received both the Urban Regeneration and Refurbishment awards for its sensitive restoration and transformation of a historic industrial landmark.

The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford was recognised in the Education category for its architectural ambition, carefully considered use of handmade brick and impressive environmental performance.

The Serpentine Pavilion received the Innovation Award for its creative use of materials and innovative design, while the Hampton Court Tudor Kitchen Chimneys project was celebrated for the remarkable skill and precision involved in its intricate brickwork conservation, receiving the Craftsmanship Award.

The Awards also recognised excellence across the wider industry, with Barratt Homes receiving the Housebuilder Award and Lee Marley Brickwork named Specialist Brickwork Contractor, acknowledging its investment in skills, apprenticeships and workforce development.

A landmark anniversary and special Legacy Award

This year's ceremony held particular significance as the Brick Awards celebrated 50 years of recognising outstanding clay brick architecture.

Since 1976, the Awards have championed architectural creativity, technical expertise and exceptional craftsmanship, building a remarkable record of how clay brick has been used to shape buildings and communities across the UK and beyond.

To mark the anniversary, a special one-off Legacy Award was introduced, recognising a building of enduring architectural significance.

The accolade was presented to St Pancras Station, London, celebrating its remarkable transformation and the successful integration of contemporary brickwork alongside its historic architecture.

Once threatened with demolition, St Pancras has become an enduring example of how sensitive restoration and adaptation can preserve architectural heritage while securing a building's future.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the Brick Development Association, said:

"Celebrating 50 years of the Brick Awards is an incredible milestone for the BDA and the wider brick industry. For five decades, the Awards have recognised outstanding architecture, creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing the extraordinary possibilities of clay brick.

"This year's winners are a fantastic reflection of that legacy. From sensitive heritage restoration to ambitious contemporary design, they demonstrate the skill, innovation and collaboration that continue to shape our built environment.

"Behind every exceptional project are talented architects, manufacturers, contractors and bricklayers, and the Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the people who bring these buildings to life.

"As we look towards the next 50 years, we look forward to seeing how new generations continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with clay brick."

Brick Awards 2026 – Full winners list

• Individual House: House in the Surrey Hills, Dorking
• Small Housing Development: Mossford Court, Ilford
• Medium Housing Development: Leon House, London
• Large Housing Development: The Sir Michael Snyder Building – Brentwood School Boarding House, Essex
• Urban Regeneration: Chelsea Waterfront – Powerhouse, London
• Housebuilder: Barratt Homes
• Commercial: 3 and 15 West Lane, London
• Public: Shoemakers Museum, Somerset
• Education: Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford
• Refurbishment: Chelsea Waterfront - Powerhouse, London
• Innovation: Serpentine Pavilion, London
• Craftsmanship: Hampton Court Tudor Kitchen Chimneys, Surrey
• Worldwide: Benedictine Monastery Education & Retreat Centre at Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
• Specialist Brickwork Contractor: Lee Marley Brickwork
• Architects' Choice: Skinner Street, Leeds
• Contractors' Choice: 20 Whitfield Street, London
• Sustainability: Shoemakers Museum, Somerset
• Legacy Award: St Pancras Station, London
• Supreme Award: Shoemakers Museum, Somerset

Highly Commended recognition was also awarded to Didsbury Park in Manchester, Ty Darran in Caerphilly, Napiershall Street in Glasgow and 76 Southbank in London.

The BDA extends its congratulations to all this year's winners, highly commended projects and finalists, and to the project teams whose expertise and dedication continue to demonstrate the extraordinary possibilities of clay brick.

For further information about the Brick Awards and to explore this year's winners, visit www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards.