Since 2004, Wienerberger AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of bricks and other clay building materials, has biannually presented the International Brick Award as a scene for outstanding achievements in brick architecture. The 12th edition of this global master class in 2026 saw 894 submissions from 86 countries, more than ever before. Brick 26 features the 50 nominees and the winning designs in five categories, selected by an international jury of experts, through concise texts, atmospheric images, as well as site and floor plans, views, elevations, and sections. They impress with their exceptional architectural quality and demonstrate the creative and constructive versatility brick as a building material with nearly five millennia of unbroken tradition. The increasing reuse of historic bricks and the search for passive climate solutions characterise many of the submitted designs. Topical essays are contributed by distinguished practitioners and teachers of architecture, publicists, and historians, including Fabiola Buchele and Jeanne Autran-Edorh, Helena Glantz, Christian Heuchel, Renske van der Stoep, and David Zubreczki. Brick 26 offers an inspiring global journey across contemporary brick architecture that is shaped by history, innovation, and creativity.
