Vienna has announced the results of the Wienerberger Brick Award, which has been held every two years since 2004 and celebrates the achievements of brick architecture. This time, objects built over the past four years could participate. The prizes were awarded in five categories: residential buildings, public buildings, restoration, sealing and special solutions. The use of Wienerberger products was not a prerequisite for participation - the use of ceramic building materials from any manufacturer was allowed. A total of 600 buildings from 55 countries were nominated for the award. Two of them were awarded the Grand Prix at once.
Introducing the winning structures:
The Grand Prix
Office building 2226, Lustenau, Austria
be baumschlager eberle
The main feature of the project is its energy concept. The building does not have heating, air conditioning and ventilation. The name "2226" indicates the prevailing indoor temperature throughout the year: it fluctuates between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. This was achieved thanks to the thick (76 cm) brick walls. The only source of energy that is used here is the heat emitted by people, technology, lighting fixtures. This unconventional approach was also recognized in the nomination "Special solution".
The Grand Prix
House 1014, Granollers, Spain
Harquitectes
The second Grand Prix winner was a great example of how you can use free spaces in historic centers. For the design, the architects had a long and narrow section, only 6.5 meters wide. The house has become a series of internal and external spaces: private and guest areas, terraces and atriums. This project was recognized as the best in the category "Sealing building".
Residential buildings
Termitary House, Da Nang, Vietnam
Tropical space
As the name suggests, termites were the inspiration for this project. The layout of the building resembles the nests of these insects - all corridors and galleries lead to the central room. Brick was chosen as the main material to make the house resistant to the harsh tropical conditions.
Public buildings
Auditorium at AZ Groeninge Medical Center, Kortrijk, Belgium
Dehullu Architecten
For the new building of the medical center, a contrasting structural envelope and a non-standard shape of the building have been chosen: on the one hand, it seems to sink into the ground, and on the other, it floats in the air. The bricks on the facades are arranged vertically to emphasize the ribbon-like curvature of the building.
Restoration
House on Rua Marilla street, Sao Paulo, Brazil
SuperLimão Studio
The brick house was built in 1915. Despite an economically attractive alternative to demolition, it was decided to keep it. The architects consider their project a tribute to the history of the place and the environment.
Special prize
Cluster House, Zurich, Switzerland
Duplex Architekten AG
The Cluster House project is an example of affordable high-quality housing of a new generation. According to the rules of the complex, residents give up certain private amenities, but in return receive a shared kitchen and living room, shared use of a car, a vegetable garden, and even rooms for rent.
