Ibstock Brick Ltd

Product used: BricksBrick type: Olde English Grey Architect: Sergison Bates Architects Brick Award winner: 2022 Specialist Brickwork Contractor The development consists of 33 apartments over 6 storeys specifically designed to accommodate older residents who wish to live independently but as part of a community and share services and facilities. Brick is the vernacular material of the Hampstead context and is therefore integral to the success of design. However, it is the manner in which brick is used in the nearby buildings, both mansion blocks and houses, that lifts the material from mere ‘wallpaper’ to something more substantial and gives it a sense of purposeful quality. Deep reveals and layered façades imbue the surrounding buildings with a feeling of permanence whilst stucco, stone and terracotta are introduced to provide visual definition and elaboration. The elegant façade and use of only two brick types belie the complexity of the build for the brick layer. Curves, bays, piers, recesses, full brick reveals and other architectural articulation required repetitive setting out of the highest quality. High quality handset brickwork with a large number of brick specials are complimented by modern methods of construction in the form of off-site produced oversize ‘porch’ arches as well as brick clad lintels. 

Products used: BricksBrick type used: Ivanhoe Cream OriginalFactory Location: Leicester SM2Project location: LincolnArchitects: Stem ArchitectsThe Air Space Institute (IASTI) is a brand new development by Lincoln College. The state-of-the-art centre, completed in 2024, is a word-class facility designed to provide training for young people for various roles within the aviation and space industries, and associated infrastructures.Representing an investment of more than £10m, the IASTI is a flagship project under the government’s Town Funds programme.The design of the Institute was spearheaded by Stem Architects, a local firm that specialises in creative and functional design for education, recreation and commercial projects.Design inspiration for the facility was predominately influenced by historic aircraft hangers and the striking characteristics of plane tail fins. IASTI has been designed to accommodate the unique requirements of the college’s aviation and aerospace courses and features a large hangar bay housing the fuselage of a Boeing aircraft.With a striking, geometric exterior, the IASTI development is unmistakeably modern, with striking glass frontages that allow natural daylight to stream into the space.Opting for classic brickwork to build the structure, Stem Architects specified Ibstock’s Ivanhoe Cream Original. With a clean, timeless quality, the Ivanhoe Cream lends an elegant look to the development, without compromising the modernity Stem’s wider design is striving for.The light colour of the bricks evoke the gleaming fuselage of an aeroplane, and will weather gracefully over time.The finished IASTI is truly stunning. Combining a timeless building material such as brick with a shining glass frontage results in a building that is classic yet modern – befitting for a building with such a unique purpose.

Products used: Swanage Handmade Restoration Red BrickProject location: Karuizawa, TokyoThe only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Japanese-French painter Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita, the Musée Ando à Karuizawa lies just one-hour outside of Tokyo, in the mountainous town of its namesake Karuizawa.Following a 20-year period of collecting and displaying Foujita’s works in their own home, couple Yasushi and Megumi Ando conceptualised Musée Ando à Karuizawa, with the goal of building a space that would feel more like a home than a museum to its visitors; offering them tranquility as they explore Foujita’s famous works.So passionate were the couple about bringing their homely and individualistic vision to life, they incorporated a courtyard into the building’s plans and set out toimport handmade bricks from the UK, as tribute to the English home they had spent many years living in, prior to the build of Musée Ando à Karuizawa.Not only did the bricks chosen for the project need to meet the aesthetic requirements of brief, but they also needed to be a practical choice, given Japan’s climate and frequent seismic activity.Noting the complexities of the build and the brick’s ability to meet the varied needs of the project, the architect chose Ibstock’s Swanage Handmade Restoration Brick to make the 6,000-mile journey over to Karuizawa for the museum build.The brick was chosen for the external leaf of the cavity walls, covering the internal leaf consisting of 250mm thick reinforced concrete sprayed with foam installation, noting its resilience, given that Japan is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world.Not only this, but the brick was selected also owing to its warm colour and earthy texture, which integrates well with the location’s natural beauty, whilst creating the desired homely look and feel.The brick-clad exterior wall feeds into the interior, in the middle of the museum’s west façade, flowing out to form the outer walls of the courtyard, inspired by the Ando’s English home.The gaps between the brick walls boast glass curtain walls, creating two contrasting open and closed elements. The closed space, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the works of Foujita, while the open space allows them to connect with the nature of Karuizawa.Further practical benefits include the thermal efficiency and moisture control granted by the brick-clad cavity walls, which helped to reduce the museum’s air conditioning by 62%, compared to the project’s initial estimate.Additionally, the Swanage Handmade Restoration Brick offers both a practical, durable and sustainable solution which guarantees longevity, making it an ideal choice for a privately managed museum in order to drive down operational costs.The choice of the brick has enabled the Ando’s to realise their dream of creating a homely environment that not only embraces the idyllic surroundings of Karuizawa but also allows visitors to enjoy art in a safe and purpose-built space.

Products used: Mechslip & Brick Slips - Heritage Red Blend and Bradgate Red brickProject location: London MayfairArchitects: ReardonSmith ArchitectsThe five-star Beaumont Hotel in London’s Mayfair has completed the next chapter in its evolution. With the addition of 29 studio guestrooms and two new private dining rooms as well as the sensitive updating of the existing 72 guestrooms and suites.The work was led by ReardonSmith Architects whose association with the hotel stretches back to the original 2009 concept.For a building of such grandeur and architectural significance careful consideration was given to all aspects of the new seven-storey space’s design and specification. Including the new basement level and two set back upper storeys. Which paved the way for the new guestrooms wrapped around an internal landscaped courtyard in which existing trees have been preserved and protected. The new function spaces, together with a pantry and staff offices, are accommodated in the basement.Although not listed, the façade has been retained and the original 1920s design to the exterior reinstated in a way that harmonises with the neighbouring buildings.With over 200 years of brickmaking heritage and the widest range of UK produced clay brick slips available, Ibstock were able to offer a bespoke brick solution befitting the Beaumont’s elegant exterior. While Ibstock’s performance and safety focused Mechslip system added symmetry to the design, and significantly simplified the build process.Accredited by BBA and with BSI certification for fire safety Ibstock’s innovative brick-cladding system is available in more than 300 brick colours. The chosen blend of Laybrook Blend, Heritage Red Blend and Bradgate Red brick tones and textures combined to create a striking red brick palette. Beautifully framing the new wall of tall, white steel sectioned windows.Working with Ibstock’s lightweight MechSlip system delivered advantages from day one by reducing the demand on foundations and associated construction costs. Installation was fast and simple, providing time and cost saving advantages over traditional brickwork.Environmental and social responsibility had been a cornerstone of planning, design, development and operations since the beginning, evolving as new technologies and materials made this possible. Like the original hotel building, the extension has achieved BREEAM ‘very good’ and it is anticipated that the high performing external skin of the new building will deliver a minimum reduction in on-site carbon emissions of 38.4%.The addition of a green roof encourages biodiversity and enhances views for local residents in this densely built part of London.The new building works as an organic extension to the existing hotel, giving the impression that it was part of the original masterplan. It also significantly contributes to the aesthetic improvement of this quiet enclave in Mayfair on the Grosvenor Estate.

Products used: MechSlip, Brick Slips - Ivanhoe KatrinaProject location: BristolArchitects: Chapman TaylorBrickwork Contractor: Bouygues & KyotecCastle Park View is the flagbearer for Bristol’s multimillion pound regeneration project, offering 300 build-to-rent homes and 75 affordable dwellings in Bristol’s newest and now tallest building.Bristol’s Castle Park View, just a stone’s throw across the River Avon from Bristol’s thriving city centre, is a new development undergoing an incredible transformation from brownfield site to high specification living spaces, giving soon-to-be renters access to one of the most up-and-coming areas in the UK.Aiming to meld historic features with modern architectural and building practices, the developers, Chapman Taylor, brought to bear innovative building products from some of the UK’s most renowned manufacturers to enable the stunning design.Consisting of three sections, a 10-story block connected by a lower building to a 28-story tower, the development provides a business centre, reception and leisure facilities for residents, all while holding the record for Bristol’s tallest building, standing at 98m tall. The most striking feature of the new development is its cladding – with brick facades interspersed with long stretches of glass – which envelopes the development in a modern design with classical throwbacks.Chapman Taylor identified MechSlip as the right solution for a development the size and scale as Castle Park View, recognising the need for a system which combines safety, aesthetic appeal and ease-of-install, while, crucially, specifiable at height.All told, MechSlip provided a litany of advantages over competing cladding solutions for Castle Park View, not least its A1 fire rating, certified by UKAS accredited laboratory Warrington Fire. With the cladding on high-rise accommodation facing increased scrutiny post-Grenfell Tower, Chapman Taylor were able to rest assured that they had specified a system which had been stringently tested in a real world environment.By utilising both Ibstock brick slips and Ash & Lacy high-grade aluminium support rails, MechSlip therefore contains no combustible parts.What’s more, with lightweighting a key concern for the development, MechSlip, at more than 50% lighter than traditional masonry, enabled a significant reduction in overall structural load, while the genuine Ibstock Brick finish provided an elegant tone, in keeping with the wider local vernacular.Irina Hughes, Design Advisor at Ibstock, said: “It’s incredible to see the designs that MechSlip can allow, combining the solid reliability of brick with ease of install and safety requirements needed from modern cladding. And the design of Castle Park View is not only safe and practical, but also beautiful, and will provide its new residents with homes they’ll be proud to live in, in such a bustling area.We know that all involved – from future residents to local and national stakeholders – can rest assured that the MechSlip cladding solution is designed with the upmost safety and quality in mind.”

Product used: Atlas Smooth Blue bricksProject location: BirminghamProject type: Education - Student AccommodationArchitect: Glancy NichollsCompass is a landmark student accommodation project consisting of 290 self-contained studio apartments within an area of vast new development. It is located adjacent to the thriving Eastside and Gosta Green areas of Birmingham, which are home to Aston and Birmingham City University. It is also directly adjacent to the new Curzon HS2 terminal, which brings excellent transport links.Designed by architects Glancy Nicholls, and delivered by contractors Torsion Group, the building consists of a prism-shaped 15-storey tower with a five-storey shoulder. The scheme is carefully configured to front onto the key Curzon vehicle and railway nodes into and out of the city whilst providing a responsive massing form to surrounding buildings.In particular, the design complements the HS2 station with a low-level blue brickwork podium that references the local railway vernacular. A profiled metallic façade articulates the dynamic trapezoidal form of the tower element. The building is completed by a blue brick accommodation wing, which reinforces the urban grain of this corner plot site.The bricks chosen were Ibstock Atlas Smooth Blue, an extruded brick with a smooth texture commonly preferred for its aesthetic values. The bricks are complemented by a composition of metallic silver finishes and black glass spandrels on the upper floors.In addition to being an impressive contemporary addition to the Birmingham Eastside skyline, Compass is also an ambitious lifestyle-orientated project designed to give students a first-class place to live, study and feel part of a vibrant community.The student experience has been factored into the design throughout the process, ensuring the excellent provision of lifestyle-centred spaces. These include a reception area, games area, lounge, home working spaces, kitchen/dining spaces, a gym and yoga facility, plus an external courtyard terrace with a BBQ area. A mezzanine area is also provided for the secure storage of over 100 cycles.

Product used: Audley Red Mixture bricksProject location: StockportArchitect: Cartwright & GrossFormerly a run-down hotel, Davenport Park Apartments provide modern and stylish accommodation over six storeys in a practical and beautiful location. The 39 one and two-bed units are situated on the border of Davenport Park Conservation area but also close to Stockport town centre and Davenport Train Station.Designed by local architects Cartwright and Gross, the scheme very much responds to the local urban fabric, taking inspiration from the materials, proportions and details of the local vernacular. A simple palette of materials was used to create a modern look that complements its surroundings, avoids a pastiche, and enhances the character of the area.The design adopts key design cues such as horizontal banding, subtle variations in material tone, deep punched reveals, and façade relief to reflect the local character and urban grain whilst retaining its own distinctiveness.Red facing bricks - Audley Red Mixture plus faced on bed solids and cut bricks - are central to the concept. The brickwork is a constant throughout the scheme and employs a variety of brickwork details and sills to create a simple, timeless design.A quadruple height soldier band runs across the main facade differentiating the ground floor to the floors above. This simultaneously provides a modern interpretation of the white stone band that belongs to adjacent Victorian villas.Meanwhile, on the right side of the principal façade, projecting Flemish bricks complement the projecting decorative bricks of other surrounding buildings. Brickwork details and banding below the eaves also respect and respond to the character of the area in terms of height, type and materials used.The scheme also prioritises wellbeing. Window and door opening proportions have been designed in line with typical local proportions but also ensure that all the dwellings have good levels of natural daylight. The apartments also boast attractive landscaped communal rear gardens; top floor units also benefit from outdoor space with spectacular views. Sustainability was also a consideration with low energy LED lighting, electrical vehicle charging points, and secure bicycle storage.Originally built by Clowes Developments but sold to Stockport Homes Group in 2021, Davenport Park Apartments were sold on a shared ownership basis to give more people access to high-quality accommodation and help first time buyers get on the property ladder.

Brick type used: Cheddar RedProject location: Sunderland, Tyne & WearArchitects: Mosedale Gillatt ArchitectsDesigned and built by esteemed Victorian architect Frank Caws between 1872 and 1877, the Grade II listed Elephant Tea Rooms is an iconic fixture of Sunderland’s diverse built environment.A fabulous example of the 19th century’s trend for Hindu Gothic design, the Elephant Tea Rooms has recently undergone significant restoration work to preserve it for generations to come.The regeneration project was led by Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s Mosedale Gillatt Architects, on behalf of Sunderland City Council. Restoration work started in November 2022, with the landmark undergoing external repair and enhancement works to reinstate its distinctive decoration and features, as well as installing new shopfronts.The regeneration works have been delivered by specialist local contractor NCS and stonemason Mason & Forster, and include intricate brickwork and vaulted corner turret feature, restored terracotta ornamental elephants and gargoyles using traditional craft skills, and a new timber shop front and windows.Among the products specified to the restoration is Ibstock’s wirecut Cheddar Red facing brick. With a smooth finish and colour perfectly blended to replicate authentic Victorian brickwork, the Cheddar Red was a natural fit for a project so steeped in the 19th century gothic tradition.Indeed, aesthetics was a primary consideration for Mosedale Gillatt when specifying products for the Elephant Tea Rooms. An additional benefit of Ibstock’s Cheddar Red is that they will weather naturally over time, lending further character to the development as the year’s progress.Supported with over £700,000 funding from Sunderland City Council, Historic England and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) through the Future High Street Fund and Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme, the project has breathed new life into the Hindu Gothic style building while respecting its historic character and charm.

Products used: Stewart Buff, Himley Dark Brown Rustic, Cheddar BrownProject location: Ealing, LondonArchitects: HTA DesignBrickwork Contractor: Tide’s brickGreenford Quay is a mixed-use development that brings 2,118 build-to-rent homes to Ealing as part of a masterplan that restores a once thriving, but long disused, brownfield site on the edge of the Grand Union Canal. The ambition was to establish a new community, renting high-quality, purpose-designed, and well managed homes, with exceptional amenities. The landscape at Greenford Quay helps to overcome the often-transient nature of build-to-rent developments by providing spaces that bring people together.Block 4, named Lyon’s Dock, includes 251 serviced apartments. The building maximises the potential of a curve in the Grand Union Canal, with a landmark building that steps up from seven to nine storeys with excellent views to the waterfront. Podium gardens and a roof terrace provide a space for residents to gather, relax and grow their own plants. The look and feel of the building is informed by studies into brick warehouses and the Art Deco vernacular; the brown bricks reference industrial buildings, and the characteristic horizontal banding of the brickwork and pre-cast concrete elements reference Art Deco style.Historically, the site for Block 4 was home to a dye factory, the place where Mauvine, the first purple dye, was invented. To reference this heritage, the team at HTA Design sought a brick with a mauve hue, initially hoping to use Cheddar Brown, a brown Ibstock brick with a slightly purple toned glaze. During the pandemic, Cheddar Brown was produced in batches that were too small to meet the demand of a building on the scale of Block 4, so the team worked closely with Ibstock to select Himley Dark Brown Rustic as an alternative.The impact of the horizontal detailing of the facade was emphasised with areas of corduroy detailing, particularly around the entry ways. Himley Dark Brown Rustic was selected for the fact that it is a hard and smooth brick, with the compressive strength required for the project, and a smooth surface that guaranteed excellent protection against water ingress. This was important as it enabled the team to achieve a corduroy pattern by stepping the bricks in and out by approximately 20mm per course, without a risk to the quality of the brickwork or the pointing due to the impact of weather over time.The whitest of clays are not capable of yielding a brick which achieves the compressive strength required, which led to the selection of Ibstock’s Stewart Buff, a cream brick, which like the Himley Dark Brown Rusticis wire cut, giving it a smooth surface which worked to complement the brown brick specification. As smooth, straight, and consistent bricks, both Himley Dark Brown Rustic and Stewart Buff are easy to lay and worked well with the precision nature of volumetric construction. Currently, there is a fashion on other projects for organic brickwork; Lyon’s Dock bucks this trend to achieve a facade design in harmony with the sleek Art Deco heritage of the site.Working with Ibstock means receiving a data sheet that comes for each project, outlining what you can or can’t do; the frost resistance of each material, its compressive strength, laying capabilities and joining requirements. Ibstock understand the British Standards for laying and joining bricks and brought their knowledge to this project, working alongside HTA Design to achieve complex, non-traditional, detailing. Design partners can submit a design report, which if technically sound, is approved by Ibstock, ensuring you have a brick warranty on the product for the future.The bricks selected were perfect for the project’s requirements. HTA Design worked with Tide’s brick contractor AON who are exceptional bricklayers and achieved a crisp finish befitting the sleek, brick specification.As part of the evidence based post-occupancy evaluation, a recent study by Cambridge/Napier Universities shows that the volumetric system adopted at Greenford Quay is contributing to an embodied carbon reduction of more than 40%.

Brick type used: Staffordshire Slate Blue SmoothProject location: Patrick Street, Greenock, GlasgowArchitects: Richard Murphy ArchitectsBDA Brick Awards 2024 shortlisted project - Category: Public buildingsAn iconic structure on the banks of the Clyde, the new Greenock Ocean Terminal / Wyllieum was built for Inverclyde Council, Peel Ports, and the George Wyllie Trust as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The £19.2 million facility serves as a new cruise ship visitor centre, a processing centre for passengers, and a separate wing devoted to the work of local artist George Wyllie. The building also contains a top-floor restaurant and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the river. There is also a sculpture garden separating the structure’s two wings.The striking visitor centre makes an excellent first impression on arrivals. The new facility also helps Peel Ports to accommodate an increasing number of passengers as the cruise business grows - more than 100 ships were expected last year. Meanwhile, the Wyllieum is a fantastic tribute to a world-renowned artist who actually worked as a customs officer in Greenock for many years.Built by Heron Bros and designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the scheme has a clear nautical influence. Indeed, the building resembles a traditional cruise liner with extensive glazing imitating the bridge of a ship. The terrace also includes three ship smokestacks.An iconic structure on the banks of the Clyde, the new Greenock Ocean Terminal / Wyllieum was built for Inverclyde Council, Peel Ports, and the George Wyllie Trust as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The £19.2 million facility serves as a new cruise ship visitor centre, a processing centre for passengers, and a separate wing devoted to the work of local artist George Wyllie. The building also contains a top-floor restaurant and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the river. There is also a sculpture garden separating the structure’s two wings.The striking visitor centre makes an excellent first impression on arrivals. The new facility also helps Peel Ports to accommodate an increasing number of passengers as the cruise business grows - more than 100 ships were expected last year. Meanwhile, the Wyllieum is a fantastic tribute to a world-renowned artist who actually worked as a customs officer in Greenock for many years.Built by Heron Bros and designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the scheme has a clear nautical influence. Indeed, the building resembles a traditional cruise liner with extensive glazing imitating the bridge of a ship. The terrace also includes three ship smokestacks.

Products used: MechSlip & Brick Slips - Capital Brown Multi StockProject location: Hope Street, LiverpoolArchitects: WorkmanBrickwork Contractor: Unite ConstructionHope Street is an apartment complex situated in the heart of Liverpool, serving as accommodation for the cities three main universities. The development comprises four blocks, ranging from four to nine stories in height and arranged in a grid pattern around an open-air courtyard. In total, Hope Street contains 345 individual student residences.Just four years after first opening its doors, the Hope Street accommodation block hit the headlines when its existing, bonded-brick cladding system began to peel away, causing individual bricks to fall onto the street below.Not only did this pose a direct threat to pedestrians passing by underneath the building, it also compromised the safety of the structure itself – something which served as the key impetus behind installing a new cladding system onto the façade.Unite Construction, a Yorkshire-based property development specialist, were brought on board by the accommodation’s owner to recommend – and ultimately implement – a new cladding system. After examining a number of solutions, Unite Construction found that only MechSlip was suitable in meeting the unique challenges presented by the building.A primary factor behind the specification of MechSlip at Hope Street was its lightweight design. An initial analysis of the building found that it was only capable of taking a certain load, so MechSlip, which is more than fifty per cent lighter than traditional masonry, provided a robust and durable solution, without compromising the structural integrity of the building.Situated on a busy street and with students coming and going throughout the day, Hope Street presented a unique logistical challenge to those working on site. Indeed, those considerations proved critical during the specification process. Delivering ultimate ease-of-install, the MechSlip system more than proved itself among the installers at Hope Street. Because the solution can be easily assembled off-site (enabling it to be seamlessly incorporated into modular construction work), installers were able to work to ‘just-in-time’ deliveries, ultimately ensuring they could complete the job as efficiently – and cost effectively – as possible.With university accommodation back in the spotlight after the Grenfell Tower disaster, ensuring fire-safety of the cladding was a vital concern for the building’s owners. As MechSlip has now secured BBA fire accreditation (meaning it has been stringently tested in a real-world environment), owners and residents have absolute assurance that their building isn’t compromised on safety. What’s more, the durability of the MechSlip system means it is installed with a 25-year warranty as standard – something which provides further peace of mind for Hope Street’s owners.Danny Mulqueen, Managing Director at Unite Construction said: “The development at Hope Street presented us with a series of unique challenges, not least issues with the structure itself which had caused the original cladding system to fail after just four years.Working in close partnership with planners, it soon became clear that MechSlip was the only solution which would meet the complex requirements of the build.The MechSlip system itself is fantastic. Adaptable, flexible and easy-to-install, MechSlip has clearly been designed with the needs of installers front of mind. What’s more, the fact it can be mixed with a wide variety of Ibstock brick slips means it packs genuine kerb appeal.I can think of so many projects where MechSlip would be able to add real value, and I’m looking forward to working with it – and realising even more of its potential – in the near future.”

Brick type: Bexhill Purple MultiFactory: BirtleyProject type: Public buildingProject location: Blackheath, LondonArchitect: Mae ArchitectsThe Concept  Set in the south London grounds of the 17th century Sir Christopher Wren-designed Morden College almshouse, the 700sqm John Morden Centre balances its own presence with the need to blend in with the surrounding architecture. Our Solution  Located on the southern edge of the site, the new elderly day care centre consolidates the college’s communal facilities, such as craft workshops, a communal dining room, treatment and counselling spaces and a reception and waiting room. The scheme is designed around a wide internal promenade, consists of different pavilions clustered adjoining this central spine, creating views through the building and opportunities for chance encounters between staff, elderly residents and visitors.Each of the pavilions is given its own silhouette with chimney-like elements, which continues the legacy of the robust yet elegant architecture of the original almshouse. Although the building’s load-bearing structure comprises large scale Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels, the outer leaf is made using self-supporting masonry. This mirrors Wren’s original quadrangles, which despite being constructed using load-bearing brick walls, contains large amounts of structural timber elements, such as beams, inside. The architects specified a more robust full brick wall base with half-stone brick leaf on top, choosing IbstockCumberland Blend 2629 bricks, as these were a good colour match for the other red-brown brick buildings on the Morden College campus, with their slightly rough texture allowing the building to appear timeless and in keeping with the complex’s patinated brick buildings. 

Products used: Bricks - Ivanhoe Cream Original, Grosvenor County MixtureFactory: LeicesterProject location: Silk Street, ManchesterArchitects: MCAU ArchitectsBrickwork Contractor: Rowlinson ConstructionManchester City Council has delivered 69 zero and low carbon social homes on Council-owned land. The remarkable project features 36 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments, 17 two story, three-bedroom houses; and 4 three storey, four-bedroom houses. To accommodate for older residents, 16 of the apartments will be designated for individuals aged 55 and above.Designed by MCAU Architects, the purpose of the project is to assist in addressing the need for high-quality affordable housing in the Manchester region, while guaranteeing accessibility, particularly for those in wheelchairs. Each apartment features a balcony, with living walls adding to the development's green appeal, alongside communal outdoor green spaces. Furthermore, the apartments are constructed according to HAPPI design principles, ensuring spacious interiors as a norm, facilitating wheelchair access, and offering additional storage space.Another factor at the core of the project is sustainability. Twenty of the houses feature solar panels. Each of the houses were also designed to be zero carbon on completion. Boasting spacious gardens and solar panels, the apartments incorporate living green roofs as part of the project's commitment to low carbon footprint. This also involves the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep utility costs down for residents.The project, constructed by Rowlinson Construction and partially funded through the government’s Brownfield Land Fund, with work on the site beginning in early 2022, was completed in December 2023.To add to the modern look of the project, the apartments feature Ibstock’s Ivanhoe Cream Original Stock Facing bricks. Featuring a captivating blend of warm and earthy hues, the bricks were a key part in adding a textured and inviting appearance that enhances the visual appeal of housing within the project. Mixed with this was the Grosvenor County Mixture which is a stock, frogged facing brick featuring a rich red hue and a gentle texture.The city is set to surpass its goal of delivering affordable homes, which was initially aimed at supporting the construction of at least 6,400 affordable homes between 2015 and 2025. The council now expects to exceed this target by delivering more than 7,000 affordable homes during this period. This achievement will surpass the 20% target for affordable housing in all developments across the city.

Brick type used: New Ivanhoe Cream & Cheddar Brown bricksProject location: Neilston, GlasgowArchitects: BDP architectsBDA Brick Awards shortlisted project - Category: EducationNeilston Leaning Campus is a new state-of-the-art education and community facility providing quality education to meet the demands of 21st century learners from the age of two to 12 years old.The new campus in East Renfrewshire, Scotland provides a home to two primary schools and family centre on a single site, all whilst maintaining the unique identity of each establishment, providing an inspirational educational environment and replacing the out-dated former buildings.BDP Architects design takes advantage of the south-facing orientation, which was influenced by the positioning of the existing school and included working around a mature tree on site, which is a vital learning source for the school. The design of the classrooms also played into the orientation, with a linear arrangement of the classrooms on the southern edge to allow for beams of natural light and all points of the day.The tandem build project is built with Ibstock new Ivanhoe Cream and Cheddar Brown bricks. Positioned to perfectly compliment the adjacent church, made from historic blond sandstone. It was important that the school was welcomed into the surrounding areas aesthetically and complemented the surrounding spaces. The two distinctly different brick styles cleverly reduce the overall mass of the building. With a lighter tone chosen so the building wouldn’t feel imposing to younger children.To create a learning hub concept, the teaching spaces are wrapped around an open central atrium, creating a heart space and combines a teaching, social and dining space, allowing for a cohesive flow throughout the whole school.The schools and family centre retain their unique identities and teaching spaces, with shared facilities including a large sports hall, Digi-Zone, a dedicated space for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), an art room, a green screen video editing area, and drama and music space.The project attracted Learning Estate Investment Programme funding from the Scottish Government, with ambitious energy efficiency targets. To meet the sustainability goals as set out by the LEIP the new building promotes passive design techniques that include no thermal bridges, super insulation, a compact building form and an airtightness under 2. As well as, sustainable drainage and a community growing garden, scheduled to start once the project has been completed.Construction first began in 2020 and is set to be completed at the end of 2024, with the demolishing of the old school and landscaping completion in motion. The new campus is a fantastic addition to the community, and has created a community hub for Neilston, catering to the identity, legacy and individual needs of each school.

Brick type used: Birtley Olde English Grey, Birtley Northern Buff, Commercial Red & Ibstock Glazed CopperProject location: Chillingham Industrial Estate, Newcastle upon TyneArchitects: Xsite ArchitectureBDA Brick Awards 2024 shortlisted project category: Medium Housing Development CategoryNestled within the historic Lower Ouseburn Valley Conservation Area, the Ouseburn Quays development stands as a testament to sustainable urban regeneration whilst honouring the area's rich industrial legacy. Spearheaded by McIver Homes and brought to life by a collaborative effort from xsite architecture, s h e d engineers, and ONE Environments, this development breathes new life into a former timber yard. Ibstock, renowned for its quality bricks, played a pivotal role in realising the vision for this project.The Ouseburn Quays development transforms a 0.26ha site into a vibrant community hub, featuring 51 apartments, two small business units, and a picturesque landscape courtyard. Situated amidst complex topography, the design maximises views and fosters connectivity, creating an inviting environment that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.In the pursuit of architectural excellence and contextual harmony, Ibstock bricks emerged as the natural choice for the Ouseburn Quays development. Drawing inspiration from the rich industrial heritage of the area, the design team meticulously curated a material palette that resonates with the character of the area.The use of Ibstock bricks anchors the development within its historical context, paying homage to the industrial roots of the Ouseburn Valley. With a range of waterstruck distressed-faced bricks, the buildings exude a timeless charm, blending effortlessly with the surrounding urban fabric. The subtle variations in colour and texture add depth and visual interest, while accent materials such as glazed brick panels and timber detailing infuse warmth and character into the architecture.Beyond aesthetics, Ibstock bricks contribute to the vitality of street life, animating the ground floor with a series of small business units. This deliberate integration fosters a sense of place, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the vibrant urban environment. Moreover, the thoughtful selection of brick detailing, including corbelling and soldier courses, adds architectural sophistication, elevating the skyline of the Ouseburn Valley.As advocates for sustainable construction, Ibstock's commitment to environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Ouseburn Quays development. Manufactured with precision and care, Ibstock bricks not only offer durability and longevity but also embody a sustainable choice for contemporary urban development.Ibstock's collaboration with the Ouseburn Quays development exemplifies the transformative power of quality craftsmanship and innovative design. By leveraging the inherent beauty and versatility of Ibstock bricks, the development is a great example of urban renewal, celebrating the unique heritage and spirit of the Ouseburn Valley.

Brick type used: New Ivanhoe CreamProject location: BirminghamArchitects: Glancy Nicholls ArchitectsBDA Brick Awards 2024 shortlisted project - Category: Urban RegenerationAs a lasting legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Plot 6 is part of an exciting and challenging 1400-home masterplan for the regeneration and transformation of Perry Barr in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community.Originally designed to house 6,500 athletes, para athletes and officials for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Perry Barr Residential Scheme is playing a crucial and significant role in revitalising this area of the city.The masterplan will see the creation of a brand new village designed with flexibility, adaptability and accessibility in mind. Once complete, it will provide over 1400 much needed, high-quality new homes, across a range of tenures and housing typologies, along with improved leisure and community facilities and upgraded transport infrastructure.Plot 6 Perry Barr is one of the largest phases of the whole development. Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the vision for Plot 6 was to create a contemporary, sustainable and community-focused environment that emphasised modern living, environmental responsibility and social integration.The eight-storey, mixed use building provides 268 residential apartments for the extra care market, as well as commercial units, communal spaces and activity areas. The scheme also comprises a large courtyard garden, additional rooftop gardens for residents to enjoy, and parking.Each building and home are designed to achieve, if not exceed, the national space standards. Every home is also designed to be adaptable to the accessible standards of the Building Regulations Part M4(2) as a minimum.The building façade of Plot 6 features a combination of brick, glass and metal elements, blending traditional materials with modern design principles.Ibstock’s Ivanhoe Cream Original was specified for the development to add a timeless quality to the façade of the building. Renowned for their light, creamy hue and uniform appearance, Ivanhoe Cream Original offer an elegant and classic aesthetic, suitable for a wide range of architectural styles.The light colour of the bricks provide a warm and welcoming appearance, whilst their versatility and robust performance provided a valuable option to Glancy Nicholls Architects in seeking to create a timeless building.

Products used: New Ivanhoe Cream brickProject location: PrestwickArchitects: Architects BDPBrickwork Contractor: Morgan SindallThe new Prestwick North Education Campus brings together two schools on the Sherwood Road site and includes the addition of a new Early Years Centre and Nursery.Architects BDP designed the development which involved the relocation of neighbouring St. Ninian’s Primary School onto the existing Glenburn Primary School grounds.Through a feasibility study conducted by BDP, South Ayrshire Council determined the most suitable education facility for all stakeholders, enabling the project to progress through the HubSW procurement path.BDP’s design not only celebrates the identify of both primary schools but encourages pupils from both schools to mix on the shared open space. A key aspect of the project was creating something for the community that was authentic, inclusive and welcoming; and was designed to minimise disruption to the existing school. The chosen approach for construction involved a tandem build, allowing the current primary school to remain open throughout the process.The campus comprises 22 classrooms, together with several multi-purpose rooms spread across two storeys. The scheme also includes a modern sports hall, outdoor sporting amenities, an allotment garden, willow garden and sensory garden.Sustainability is at the heart of the development, with electric power generated from solar roof panels, whilst air source heat pumps meet the heating needs of the schools.The modern and aesthetically attractive building exterior features new Ivanhoe Cream brick – a frogged facing brick which is multi-coloured with a light texture and manufactured by Ibstock. These bricks enhance the overall look of the building and were also used on the adjacent Early Years Centre and Nursery, which provides facilities for children between the ages of two and five.Responsible for the management and delivery of the project was Southwest Scotland (hub SW), which worked closely with construction partner Morgan Sindall on the project.South Ayrshire Council formally announced the project in May 2019 with work beginning on site in early 2020. The official ‘handover’ to South Ayrshire took place in August 2023.

Product used: BricksBrick type: White Engobe Architect: Common Ground Architecture Brick Award: 2021 Small Housing Development Award  The Concept  Pump House reinvigorates a prominent corner plot in the centre of South Norwood by creating 14 new homes and a new library two minutes’ walk from Norwood Junction Station. The site had previously been used as a surface level car park and had been vacant for nearly 30 years. Our Solution  As the first residential scheme completed by Common Ground Architecture, and forming part of Brick By Brick’s Smaller Sites Programme – a scheme designed to accelerate housing delivery in Croydon – ensuring the project was delivered on time, and with significant aesthetic appeal key. Pump House Irina Hughes, Design Advisor at Ibstock, explains: “The project exemplifies what we set out to achieve; characterful and robust homes that people will be proud of for generations to come. Conceived as two interlocking forms, the symmetrical white façade references the former Art Deco cinema that once stood on the site next door. The recessed red brick detail in the white brick creates a bold motif that references the geometric fenestration patterns in the old Odeon. The red brick element that wraps the corner is more humble in nature and makes reference to the Victorian context.” 

Products used: Beamish Blend bricksProject location: MitchamArchitects: Clarion Housing GroupBrickwork Contractor: Galliford TryThe regeneration of the Ravensbury Estate in Mitcham has created a community-focused neighbourhood with over 200 homes comprising a range of houses and flats.Ravensbury is part of a £1 billion Merton Refurbishment project involving three neighbourhood estates being carried out by Clarion Housing Group to create 2,800 homes involving the replacement of 1,000 existing homes as well as developing a further 1,800 new homes and the provision of a large accessible community centre, which will be almost double the size of the previous one.HTA has undertaken in-depth consultation with the Ravensbury community over several years to shape the Masterplan in line with residents’ objectives. The proposals will blend together the old and new parts of the estate with tree-lined streets that provide easy walking routes to neighbouring Ravensbury Park and Morden Hall Park.At the planning stage Clarion Housing Group liaised with local residents to find out what they would like to see, and the scheme was developed taking into consideration their feedback.A feature of the buildings are Ibstock’s Beamish Blend bricks, which are a waterstruck, solid facing brick that is red / multi in colour with a light texture. The new homes are all low-rise ensuring that the suburban village-like character of the neighbourhood was kept and included tree lined streets and a central landscaped swale.There is a range of two and three bed houses, news houses and dormer properties which are spacious, modern homes finished in a brick façade. There is provision for resident and visitor parking.The scheme includes three or four-bed river front houses, along with four-bed town houses – all finished in a brick facade. These properties include full-height widows to improve natural light and come with their own first-floor balconies.The Ravensbury Estate also has a range of one and two-bed flats with full height windows to make the most of the natural light, as well as flats for older residents built with accessibility in mind.

Product used: BricksBrick types: Olde English Birtley Location: Battersea, LondonArchitect: Herzog & de Meuron Brick Award winner: 2022 Education categoryThe £135 million Royal College of Arts campus in Battersea is the most significant expansion in the institution’s history, introducing a diverse array of new facilities and studio spaces for postgraduate university students. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the 15,500 sqm building is split into two connected wings, one containing studios for traditional arts and design disciplines, the other for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) departments. Herzog & de Meuron famously worked on the Tate Modern Switch House expansion with its gravity-defying angular brick elevations. Here the focus is on tradition and modesty, a regular stock brick (Ibstock’s Old English Birtley) was specified but its use ‘maximialised’ across the project to amplify the street-scale geometry. The ground floor façade is arranged in a textured Flemish bond, the projected stretcher courses alternating with a recessed header course to give the walls a distinctive grain, light and shadow. On the upper storeys, the pattern is inverted, with the cut ends of the header bricks exposed to reveal the marks of manufacture and the blacks and blues of the fired core.

Brick type used: NiveusProject location: Shawlands, GlasgowProject type: ResidentialArchitects: Holmes Miller ArchitectsBDA Brick Awards 2024 shortlisted project - Category: Small Housing DevelopmentThe new development at Shawlands Bowling Club on Glasgow’s south side ensured the survival of a precious 158-year old community asset. Having seen its membership decline, the club decided to take the proactive approach of selling unused land to secure its survival whilst simultaneously funding an upgrade of its clubhouse facilities. A little-used section of the clubhouse was also demolished to make way for the necessary enhancements.Having considered a number of options, a proposal by Kelvin Properties was selected by The Club Committee to make best use of the land. The sustainability-led residential development that resulted provides an attractive new five-storey building consisting of 34 apartments with a generous roof garden.The development meets the Gold-Hybrid Standard as defined by the Technical Handbook. The building benefits from enhanced building fabric thermal performance, along with LZC technologies, which results in reduced carbon emissions. The new two and three-bedroom homes also provide much-needed homes within a bustling community close to public amenities and parkland.Although the locality does not possess a clear architectural style - the urban fabric is somewhat diverse with several individual structures separated by spaces - the scheme is still influenced by its setting and responds to neighbouring sandstone tenement buildings. The development also possesses a southerly aspect with large floor to ceiling glazing maximising natural light and enhancing wellbeing. Meanwhile, a new entranceway along Pollokshaws Road makes the club more visible and attractive to visitors.Architects Holmes Miller specified a restrained palette of high-quality materials to construct the building. The most dominant of these is Ibstock Niveus brick. These attractive weathered buff bricks were chosen for their robust nature and ability to retain their aesthetic appeal with minimum maintenance over the years, whilst also complementing the surrounding buff sandstone context typical of the Glasgow urban fabric.Set backs and subtractions were also employed to create further articulation on the elevations, while glazed juliet balconies also decorate the large glazed windows and solid brick background. Finally, the top storey penthouses were wrapped in gold metal cladding, which provides a feeling of warmth and a sense of luxury.Overall, the development does not replicate but subtly addresses and enhances its setting with an eye-catching contemporary aesthetic. The restricted selection of materials results in a high quality contemporary design that is attractive to both residents and the wider public. Most importantly, however, the new development has ensured that Shawlands Bowling Club, whose history on the site stretches back to 1892, should be secure for the foreseeable future.

Products used: Ibstock’s Cheddar Red bricksProject location: BrightonArchitects: RH Partnership ArchitectsShelter Hall has been a prominent feature of Brighton’s famous seafront since the 1880s. The original building, with portions of the features grade II-listed, was a key landmark near the main public street that connects to the railway station. It was also a key landmark structurally, as it supported both the seafront road and the promenade.Sadly, however, in 2013 the original building was found to have serious structural weaknesses. Works were immediately carried out to prevent it from collapsing. However, the decision was ultimately taken to replace the structure entirely with a new and enhanced building.The construction of this new Shelter Hall became a key part of Brighton and Hove City Council’s high-profile plans for the restoration and regeneration of the seafront. Protected by a new sea wall and public walkway, the building is larger than the original and has been brought forward several meters closer to the sea to double the commercial space available. The main structure is two storeys high and includes a partial mezzanine floor, a rotunda on the upper prom, and a roof terrace.Designed by RH Partnership Architects, the new building is a fascinating combination of civil engineering, new build, conservation, restoration and re-interpretation. Aesthetically it embraces the architecture of the original building and the heritage of the city’s seafront whilst reflecting its modern direction.The construction required multiple specialist skills, including the bricklaying talents of experienced masons who carefully crafted the building’s distinctive imperial double-English bond. The selection of Ibstock’s Cheddar Red bricks provided a bold aesthetic that complements the seafront’s Victorian vernacular whilst underlining the civil engineering nature of the project. The robust red tone of the bricks, which is further brought to life by 7mm lime mortar joints, conveys a sense of solidity and longevity.The elevations are constructed from a combination of machine-made and handmade bricks of a precise uniform size. There are up to 42 specials with corner bricks and tapered bricks that all blend beautifully with attractive pre-cast stone masonry. There is also an abundance of unique detailing around the door frames and other openings, with lovely combinations of long stretcher bricks and header bricks.Funded to the tune of £19m by government grants and the local council, including a £9 million investment award from the Department for Transport’s Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund, the new Shelter Hall provides spectacular views of Brighton seafront and will attract millions of visitors in the coming years. It is a fine building that befits its location and enriches the seafront experience for all.

Products used: Cooksbridge Yellow bricksProject location: ShropshireArchitects: Inspire ArchitectsBrickwork Contractor: Morris PropertyThe Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s new headquarters, located in Shropshire, completed its construction in 2023 following a four year project.Carried out by Inspire Architects and constructed by Morris Property, the building was designed to enhance lifesaving services and house the charity’s head office function, airbase, clinical operations and state-of-the-art clinical training facilities essential to delivering advanced training programmes.The 8,100 sq ft facility is a vital development for the whole region, and was commissioned due to challenges faced by the charity’s original building, which included UK population growth, increased complexity of patient needs and insufficient training facilities.The charity carried out fundraising campaigns in order to generate funding for specific areas of the facility, with support from Ibstock.Among the products specified for the building’s construction were 90,000 of Ibstock’s Cooksbridge Yellow bricks, a third of which were donated by Ibstock. Thanks to the warm and inviting aesthetic yellow bricks can lend, Ibstock’s Cooksbridge Yellow bricks were the ideal fit for the charity headquarters in order to create a safe, welcoming and positive impression on patients, visitors and staff.Ibstock’s Nexus, an innovative brick-faced support system designed for ease of installation and the ultimate level of fire safety, was also used within the facilities construction. In a building such as the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity HQ, where safety is paramount, this product was ideal for use alongside Ibstock’s Cooksbridge Yellow bricks.As part of the charity’s commitment to sustainability, the facility’s building materials were carefully considered throughout its design and construction. Here, Ibstock’s Cooksbridge Yellow bricks provided the ideal solution thanks to their construction of clay; a material which emits less CO2 per ton compared to other materials.Additionally, with the excellent durability yellow bricks exhibit, they are able to withstand weathering and erosion over time. This, in turn, results in minimising maintenance and upkeep, thus allowing the charity to allocate more funding and resources towards providing critical patient care.

Product used: Birtley Olde English bricks & Commercial Red bricksProject location: Wybourn, SheffieldArchitect: DK ArchitectsThe Wybourn Village Centre is a £2.4 million urban regeneration project in an inner city neighbourhood in Sheffield. It has delivered 12 apartments and a new Community Hub named after beloved local councillor Pat Midgely, who gave years of service to her community before she passed away in 2020. Great Places Housing Group developed the project in consultation with the local community and in partnership with Manor & Castle Development Trust.Located in the heart of Wybourn, close to the Children’s Centre and Wybourn Community Primary School, the new buildings serve approximately 2,000 nearby homes and create a vibrant new focal point for the area. As well as providing new accommodation, the new facilities also include a community café and space for a range of events, education courses, and other engagement activities.The Village Centre’s design, which was created by DK Architects, comprises of two low-rise blocks with the all-important community centre on the ground floor of Block A. Much of the scheme is built from a red brick to complement the surrounding residential area. The ground floor of both blocks consists of Ibstock’s Birtley Olde English bricks (with a brown medium mortar) with a transition to Ibstock’s Commercial Red bricks (with a natural mortar) for the first and second floors. In doing so, it defines the building’s functions and scale whilst also reflecting the banding on the surrounding houses. Both bricks have a light texture, but the latter possess a slightly brighter tone.Arguably the most eye-catching characteristic of the new project, however, is the alternative glazed brick finish to Block A’s corner elevations. The Joris Glazed bricks used are dark blue on the ground floor before transitioning to a lighter blue for the first and second floors. The glazed brick corner stands as a symbol of the Community, and although it is of a contrasting material, its detailing is the same as the rest of the scheme that creates a harmonium building.Modern features such as brick detailing and large expanses of glazing add a modern twist to a considered design all built with robust and high-quality materials. Both blocks possess vertical bricks at the very top of the facades whilst some windows are positioned inside slightly recessed sections of brickwork for visual interest. A pre-cast / mosaic element on the prominent corner of each block achieves the same.Great Places Housing Group has undertaken significant work in Sheffield over the last few years. The Wybourn Village Centre was the final phase in their ambitious plan and is already making a difference in the community - prior to its construction, local schools and the nearby Children’s Centre were oversubscribed and unable to provide the necessary spaces for locals.Consequently, this impressive project has created a fantastic community-run asset. Not only is it an eye-catching addition to the streetscape; it also delivers social value and will continue to support the people and their activities for years to come.