The winners of the 2026 Think Brick Awards have been announced from a shortlist of more than 150 architectural submissions.
The annual program celebrates design that challenges convention around the possibilities of building with brick, block, pavers and roof tiles. This year’s theme, “Re:form”, invited entrants to consider the materials, places and resources beyond each building.
The jury noted that the strongest projects in the awards placed masonry at the heart of their design ambition, demonstrating that innovation does not always mean doing more — but often doing less with greater intention. “Many of this year’s projects demonstrated how thoughtful design can transform existing places, use materials with greater purpose and create lasting value,” the communique stated.
Head juror Kim Crestani added that the role of the designer is “not simply to use materials, but to listen to them, understand them and reveal new possibilities”.
St Clare
St Clare received a High Commendation for the Robin Dods Roof iles Award. Using regional Victorian bricks and roofing from Dandenong (CSR Monier), Woods Bagot’s design for the retirement precinct offers a modern interpretation of the heritage brick facades and intricate roof detailing of the local Kew neighbourhood.
Incorporating rhythmic brickwork and authentic materiality, the architecture establishes a tactical dialogue with the century-old brick-clad heritage residences onsite, punctuated by expressive soldier-course banding at the floor plates that break down the verticality of the five-storey massing while concealing structural movement joining. In the articulated mansard roofing, colour-matched terracotta tiling creates a seamless transition from the vertical plane to the sky.
Woods Bagot Associate Principal Blair Parkinson paid thanks to the client, VMCH, who recognised the project potential from the earliest sketches and concepts. “Their trust and commitment were instrumental in achieving the outcome we are all proud of today,” says Parkinson.
“Together, we developed a design centred on locally sourced Victorian bricks and roof tiles, selected for their timeless character, durability, and contribution to a sustainable architectural outcome. The project challenged us to reimagine familiar materials and contextual detailing, creating a contemporary collection of buildings across a substantial site while remaining grounded in place and community.”
The Forest, University of Tasmania
Woods Bagot’s design for The Forest also received a special mention as an award finalist. The Forest incorporated a substantial masonry package delivered by Crossin Bricklaying, including extensive remediation and restoration works in repurposing existing bricks, and the installation of Tasmanian-made bricks in paving, internal walls, and external masonry.
The project was delivered with a strong focus on workmanship and durability, with an outcome that respects the building’s heritage and reinforces the role of brick and block as a sustainable and timeless material.
Winners were announced at a gala evening hosted in the Art Gallery of NSW. The full list of finalists can be viewed on Think Brick’s website.
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