Michelmersh is thrilled to show its pedigree as a Brick Specialist with 7 wins and 2 commendations at the 2022 Brick Development Association (BDA) Brick Awards.

The 46th Brick Awards highlighted exemplary work across the construction industry with fantastic projects submitted by architects across the country. 13 judges worked together to identify projects that embody celebrated brick architecture, innovation and craftsmanship across 17 categories both locally and internationally.

The first award of the evening went to Napier Clarke’s Chelwood in the Individual Housing Development. Using Charnwood’s Henley Red bricks, Chelwood is a modern family home in Amersham. The large home has 5 bedrooms and bathrooms with living spaces, play areas, garages and more. All are designed with a monolithic brick form, cantilevered over a charred timber recess. The choice of materials used was influenced by the character of the surrounding local area.

“A combination of creative design and well-executed brickwork”
Judges comment.

The manufacturer’s first commendation came with Trem Y Chwarel by Progressive Architecture, a set of 12 houses nestled amongst valleys and lakes in Llanberis, Wales. Using Blockleys Synthesis S12 with Blockleys Black Smooth, it creates a beautiful façade that sits beautifully in the valley.

Michelmersh’s next award came in the form of Haworth Thompkins’ Neptune Wharf at Fish Island Village in the Urban Regeneration category. Neptune Wharf uses Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellow clay facing bricks to form an ensemble of mid-rise apartments with homes and workspaces, in a major brownfield regeneration project to rejuvenate one of the 2012 Olympic fringe areas.

“The architecture is superb! This beautiful waterfront development on the canal raises the bar.”
Judges comment.

The Brick Specialists’ third success came for a long-term collaborator, Croudace, who won the prestigious Housebuilder Category. Croudace has established itself as a private housebuilder with a long history of producing high-quality homes and first-class customer service. Croudace has used Freshfield Lanes products on several notable projects including its Halstead and Lindfield developments.

“A refreshing approach to quality, health and safety, training and skills, apprentices.”
Judges comment.

Winning an impressive two awards in the Commercial and Sustainability Categories was The Department Store Studios by architect; Squire and Partners and contractor; Lyons and Annoot. The Department Store Studios uses an innovative blend of Charnwood Hampshire Red, Light Victorian Red, and Light Farnham Red while also using Blockleys Black Smooth. The Studios are a four-storey contemporary workspace in Brixton. Replacing a series of derelict structures, The Studios are centred on sustainability and celebrating the honesty of raw materials.

“The building is subtly beautiful, complimenting the local area perfectly and future-proofed through its mixed-use and flexible design.”
Judges comment.

The second commendation came from The Pears Building by Hopkins Architects in the Public Category. A joint venture between UCL and the Royal Free Hospital, it is one of only 5 specialist immunology centres in the world. Internally the building is large and opens around a central atrium. Daylight is welcomed throughout the building and materials were chosen to exemplify this, with Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi, clamp-fired stock bricks used on the project.

Michelmersh’s success continued with Houlton School in the Refurbishment Category, which uses various Charnwood blends. Houlton School began as a radio station built during the first world war and has been transformed by Van Heyningen and Haward into a thriving, well-regarded school campus.

“The reuse of the building and new build blocks are well planned and architecturally exciting despite very tight state school budgets.”
Judges comment.

A well-deserved win by Wilkinson Eyre and Purcell Architects came in the form of the infamous Battersea Power Station winning the Innovation Category. The well-chronicled transformation of Battersea Power Station uses a bespoke blend from Michelmersh’s Blockleys brand. A host of events spaces, shops, restaurants, offices and more now occupy the previously derelict site, while the instantly recognisable structure is still a dominant part of the riverside cityscape.

Michelmersh’s Joint Chief Executive Officer, Frank Hanna, commented: “The Michelmersh Group continuously strives to be Britain’s Brick Specialists. Our record number of award-winning projects is testament to our employee’s dedication and skill. The BDA Brick Awards always give us an opportunity to showcase our ability to provide the highest quality products and services to the country’s most acclaimed architects and house builders. The team and I are so proud to have won almost half of the awards presented during the evening, the awards always represent sustainable architecture at its finest. These inspired projects & developments will write new chapters in our built environment, enjoyed by many generations to come.”

Category Winners:
Individual Housing – Chelwood – Napier Clarke
Urban Regeneration – Neptune Wharf – Haworth Thompkins
Housebuilder – Croudace Homes
Commercial – The Department Store Studios – Squire + Partners
Refurbishment – Houlton School – Van Heyningen and Haward
Innovation – Battersea Power Station – Wilkinson Eyre & Purcell
Sustainability – The Department Store Studios – Squire + Partners

Commended:
Small Housing Development – Trem Y Chwarel – Progressive Architects
Public – The Pears Building – Hopkins Architects

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