Message from the CEO of CMAA
Contemporary and stylish, concrete masonry is a strong material that has been tried and tested through time. As one of the most durable and weather-resistant materials available, the opportunities for designs incorporating concrete masonry are vast – from simple projects to complex buildings. The Kevin Borland Masonry Award seeks to highlight the design potential of concrete masonry.
In 2014, the category was introduced, and named in honour of Kevin Borland. An innovative architect and a genuine patron of young emerging architects, Borland was recognised for allowing natural materials to star as the centrepiece of his architectural design particularly through elevating the use of masonry. Established to commemorate innovation and creativity in the use of concrete masonry, the category recognises the important contributions that architects, manufacturers, builders and block layers make in bringing outstanding projects to life.
The winner of this category will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
In 2020, despite widespread disruption due to COVID19, over 150 entries were received across all award categories. The Kevin Borland Masonry award entries championed the robust materiality and organic beauty of concrete masonry while elevating their sculptural possibilities in designing for the community. We also received our first underwater entry!
The winning project Napier Street for Milieu (Freadman White) represent a poised addition to the diverse urban character of the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The formal restraint of the well-considered and robustly detailed architecture is enriched through the use of elegant, buttery concrete bricks. Respect for the neighbourhood and the quality of life of the residents of the fourteen commodious apartments are prioritised, and this is exemplified in every aspect of the architectural language and materiality.
Every year I am delighted to see the way architects evolve their design concepts and work alongside manufacturers to push the limits of the raw materials and re-imagine the commercial & residential buildings that make up the tapestry of our unique country.
We look forward to continuing to see architects re-imagine bricks and blocks in contemporary building design in 2021.
Elizabeth McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
Concrete Masonry Association of Australia
Message from the CEO of THINK BRICK AUSTRALIA & CMAA
Landscape architecture remains a key player in shaping our public environment yet has continually faced evolving challenges with urbanisation and sustainability. Born from the earth, clay brick and concrete masonry are the ideal materials to extend its natural connection from the land and serve as spaces which encourage connections between people. The Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award seeks to promote the use of clay brick and concrete masonry in landscape design while celebrating the versatility and opportunities of working with these materials.
The urban design and landscape category were established in 2014, with the Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award named in honour of landscape architect Bruce Mackenzie. Bruce Mackenzie was renowned for his contribution to the emergence of the Indigenous landscape design movement in Australia. Created to commemorate innovation and creativity in the use of clay and concrete masonry, the category recognises the important contributions that architects, manufacturers, builders and block layers make in bringing outstanding landscape projects to life.
The winner of this category will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
In 2020, despite widespread disruption due to COVID19, over 150 entries were received across all award categories. The Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award entries for 2020 championed a considered harmony between structures of clay brick and concrete masonry and the geology, history & sustainability of their surrounding natural environments. The winning project Arkadia Apartments, NSW (DKO / Breathe Architecture / OCULUS) set a new benchmark in how a multi-residential project can foster community, social interaction and neighbourhood integration through a collaborative design process. The use of recycled brick throughout the landscaping aesthetically ties the architecture to the landscape and reduces environmental impacts through low embodied energy, while the continuation of Bowral Blue bricks from the residential balconies weaves public and private spaces together.
Every year I am delighted to see the way architects evolve their design concepts and work alongside manufacturers to push the limits of the raw materials and re-imagine the public spaces & landscapes that help shape the tapestry of our unique country.
We look forward to continuing to see architects re-imagine pavers in contemporary building design in 2021.
Elizabeth McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
Think Brick Australia and CMAA
In 2018, the Think Brick Awards expanded its categories to include the ‘New Entrant’ Award, encouraging upcoming architects and designers to make their debut. To date, more than 350 architects and designers have taken this opportunity to showcase their alluring projects to the Community. Architectural studios entering the Think Brick Awards for the first time will automatically be placed into the New Entrant category.
As with our other categories, the winner of the New Entrant Award will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
We look forward to receiving your entries and seeing how you redefine the world of architecture and design.
Elizabeth McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
Think Brick Australia, Concrete Masonry Association of Australia, Australian Roofing Tile Association
