Wienerberger's traditional Smeed Dean London Stock brick, the subtle Nutcombe Multi Stock and the distinctive Staffordshire Smooth Blue have been recognised in the annual Brick Development Awards. Wienerberger bricks were ideal for use in two stunning projects, Barratt Homes St Andrews development in Bromley and the Network Housing Station Grove scheme in Wembley, winners in two of the four residential housing categories.
The BDA awards celebrate the use of brick and recognise best practice, excellence, professionalism and innovation within the industry. This year more than 296 projects were entered with 85 shortlisted across 15 categories. Wenerberger, the world's biggest brick manufacturer, was recognised in the construction of two residential schemes, winners of Best Housing Development 26 units or more, and Best Housing Development Six to 25 units.
The excellent St Andrews Block A (Phase 1) in Bromley by Bow, London, by architects from Allies and Morrison for Barratt Homes, won Best Housing Development 26 units or more. The design incorporates Wienerberger's Nutcombe multi and the historic black spotted yellow Smeed Dean London stock brick.
The project, the first phase of a masterplan for the area, was described by the judges as an "outstanding building." They said: "The limited palette of materials is skillfully exploited to produce elegant elevations that surround a variety of external spaces. The workmanship is excellent. It sets a benchmark for this type of housing."
The equally striking Station Grove development in Wembley, designed by Proctor and Matthews Architects, is small development of apartments and won in the Best Housing Development Six to 25 units category. The designers utilised Wienerberger's popular Staffordshire Smooth Blue facing brick to create a contemporary facade using traditional techniques. The judges were impressed with the use of materials and the architect's "elegant solutions that make a positive contribution to the area."
For more information about the BDA Awards 2010 go to www.brick.org.uk
