Celebration of Architectural Excellence at BRICK AWARD 26 in Vienna

BRICK AWARD 26 Celebrates Architectural Prowess

On June 16, 2026, the stunning city of Vienna played host to the prestigious BRICK AWARD 26, an event that celebrated outstanding achievements in brick architecture from around the world. This biennial award, organized by Wienerberger, recognizes the innovation and craftsmanship in creating functional yet breathtaking structures using bricks and ceramics. Winning projects included entries from diverse countries and cultures, highlighting the universal beauty and adaptability of these materials.

The BRICK AWARD has been honoring exceptional architectural designs since its inception in 2004. Every two years, it offers a platform for architects to showcase their creative visions, with a particular focus on sustainability and innovative use of traditional materials. This year's event was no exception, as various projects were recognized in five categories: Feeling at Home, Living Together, Working Together, Sharing Public Spaces, and Building Outside the Box. Additionally, a Grand Prize was awarded to the most exceptional project, alongside a Special Prize recognizing innovative neighborhood concepts that promote communal living.

Among the standout projects was the Đạo Mẫu Temple and Museum, located in Soc Son, Vietnam, which secured the Grand Prize for its unique architectural synthesis of spirituality and modernity. Designed by ARB Architects for folk artist Xuân Hinh, the project symbolically uses six million upcycled clay tiles sourced from local homes, creating a strong bond with the community. This carbon-negative initiative does not only showcase creativity but also addresses environmental concerns in architecture.

In the Feeling at Home category, Ca na Birgit, designed by TEd'A arquitectes, was recognized for its innovative approach to integrating with the local landscape in Mallorca. The home is designed around the challenges posed by its environment while maximizing the views of the ocean and ensuring privacy from neighboring properties, exemplifying ingenuity in home design.

The Living Together award went to Peris+Toral Arquitectes for their mixed-use building in Barcelona, which incorporates social rental apartments within a bioclimatic Social Atrium. This project not only provides housing but also establishes a communal area that fosters social interactivity while ensuring year-round thermal comfort through sustainable design.

La Hacienda Jalisco in Mexico, designed by ATELIER ARS, won the Working Together category. This facility, constructed for the tequila brand Clase Azul, merges beautifully with its volcanic surroundings, featuring a roof embellished with traditional clay tiles. Such design nuances anchor the building to its geographical roots, blurring the lines between constructed and natural environments.

For Building Outside the Box, an award was given to the Endless Brick Playground, a creative initiative born from educational endeavors at the School of Architecture, China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. Over the course of several years, students have collaboratively constructed numerous structures, continually evolving their designs to experiment with brick formations and architectural expression.

A Special Prize was also awarded to a remarkable project in Kortrijk, Belgium. This urban infill concept reimagines conventional neighborhoods into a contemporary garden city that embraces social cohesion and ecological sustainability. Utilizing reclaimed bricks, this initiative encourages residents to forge stronger connections to their community and natural surroundings.

Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG, remarked on the event's significance, stating, _“Even after more than 30 years working in this industry, I continue to be inspired by the incredible innovation taking the application of brick and ceramic materials to new heights.”_ His sentiment echoes the overarching theme of this year’s BRICK AWARD — that brick remains a poignant testament to both creative expression and ecological responsibility.

As a premier international platform, the BRICK AWARD not only celebrates individual achievements in architecture but also serves as inspiration for future endeavors in the field. Winners from the award ceremony will be featured in the BRICK Book 26, cementing their legacy in the global dialogue about sustainable architecture.

High-resolution images of all winners are now available for the design community and the public to explore, celebrating the artistic and functional possibilities of brick and ceramic architecture across the globe.