In a total of four categories the “austrian brick and roof award 13/14” was presented by the Association of Austrian Clay Brick and Roofing Tile Producers (VÖZ) in cooperation with Tondach Gleinstätten and Wienerberger Austria for outstanding projects that showcase modern clay brick and roof architecture in Austria. 67 submitted projects set a new record for participation in the competition.
In the overall assessment of the submitted projects, it could be observed that optimum interplay between comfort, cost efficiency and environmental protection shapes the contemporary appearance of architecture. VÖZ Secretary Dipl.-Ing. Norbert Prommer: “In meeting precisely these requirements, clay bricks and roofing tiles can prove their all-round qualities. They stand for responsible thinking in respect of economic, ecological and social aspects – these are regarded as the three most important dimensions for sustainability in building.”
For what was already the fourth edition of the competition, building projects could be submitted that explore the potential of the clay bricks and roofing tiles with their many and varied properties and functions, both in modern newbuilds and interesting extensions, as well as valuable refurbishment projects and clay roofing tile solutions. The projects must have been completed between 2009 and 2013. Following detailed discussion, the expert jury chose the winners in the four categories:
› Residential building – small volume: House in Dornbirn/Haselstauden, Architect Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Berger
› Residential/non-residential building – large volume: Nussdorf-Debant family village, FuchsundPeer consortium and Architect DI Mario Ramoni
› High-pitch roof with clay roofing tiles: Penzinger Strasse housing, architecture Steinbacher Thierrichter ZT GmbH, Stefan Steinbacher, Roland Thierrichter
› Facade design with bricks and clinkers: residential unit at Dornbirn Villa Quarter, Architect Dipl.-Ing. Christian Lenz
Besides the criteria innovative architectural design, execution of the project predominantly with clay bricks or clinkers, craftmanship in the use of the clay bricks and clinkers and design according to the maxims of technical and aesthetic optimization, great attention was given to the following aspects: “How has the submitted project explored the potential of clay bricks and roofing tiles with all their possibilities (wall, roof, ceiling, facade, etc.)?“ and “What effect does the clay brick or roofing tile have on the completed building and its surroundings with regard to economic, ecological and design respects?” The winners were not only awarded the prize money of a total 10 000 €, but also a brick and roof award sculpture.
Ready for take off: brick award 14
Together with another six projects which received special acknowledgement from the Abara jury, Austria will again submit ten projects for the international architecture prize “brick award 14” in the forthcoming year. This architecture competition is held every two years by Wienerberger AG and recognizes the best clay brick and roofing tile building projects worldwide.
