Think Brick Awards announce industry experts as jury members

The Think Brick Awards have announced their jury members for 2017 with a line-up of local and international architecture industry experts, who will judge this year’s category winners and finalists to be announced on 10 August.

The 2017 Think Brick Awards jury panel includes Ben Green, Director of Tzannes; Cameron Bruhn, Editorial Director at Architecture Media; Debbie Ryan, Founding Owner of McBride Charles Ryan; Emma Williamson, Co-founder and Director of CODA; and Alexis Sanal and Murat Sanal, Co-founders of SANALarc.

Think Brick Australia CEO, Elizabeth McIntyre, said, “Each year we choose jury panel members with impeccable architecture pedigree and this year is no exception. We have a jury that is passionate about masonry, with experience not only in Australia, but internationally as well.”

“The jury will be looking for projects that apply materials sophistically in their use of clay bricks, concrete masonry, pavers and roof tiles. Every year the quality of the award entries grows so this year they’ll be looking for innovation, creativity, inspired design and contemporary treatments,” added Mrs McIntyre.

The deadline for award entries is 28 April 2017 with winners announced at a gala dinner on 10 August 2017 in Melbourne.

Each entrant will receive two complimentary tickets to the awards dinner and be invited to attend exclusive events in the lead up to the dinner, including masonry and roof tile plant tours, architecture walking tours and architectural lectures.

“Each year we get an increasing number of entries as more architects push the design boundaries in their use of clay bricks, concrete masonry and roof tiles. The quality of the entries continues to grow and each year the jury is always amazed by the calibre and sophisticated use of masonry in projects, said Mrs McIntyre.

“We believe the versatility and creativity with which clay bricks, concrete masonry and roof tiles are designed with should be given a celebrated platform. The Think Brick Awards seek to do this by championing the innovative architects who are finding exciting and sustainable ways to use these materials.”

2017 Think Brick Award categories include: 

Horbury Hunt Commercial Award: includes built projects that exemplify outstanding craftsmanship and innovation through the use of clay face bricks and pavers, with a cash prize of $10,000.

Horbury Hunt Residential Award: includes residential built projects that exemplify outstanding craftsmanship and innovation through the use of clay face bricks and pavers, with a cash prize of $10,000.

Kevin Borland Masonry Award: recognises projects that highlight the design potential of concrete masonry in commercial and residential built architecture, with a cash prize of $10,000.

Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award: highlights the unlimited possibilities of the humble paver, with a cash prize of $10,000.

Robin Dods Terracotta Roof Award: showcases the sustainability benefits, versatility and design possibilities of terracotta roof tiles, with a cash prize of $10,000.

Mrs McIntyre added, “We had some amazing entries in 2016 from pizzerias and revitalised alleyways, to inner-city homes and university campuses. Each finalist eloquently demonstrated the transformation from material beginnings to masterpiece.”

“This year we’re expecting some outstanding submissions that will continue push the envelope in how the world’s most trusted building materials are used in the built environment,” said Mrs McIntyre.

The deadline for award entries is 28 April 2017. For more information about the awards visit: thinkbrick.com.au