Two AHMM projects shortlisted for a 2026 Brick Award 29.06.26

The Altham at No1 Blackhorse Lane and 76 Southbank have both been shortlisted for a 2026 Brick Award. Celebrating the world’s greatest clay brick architecture and craftmanship, the Brick Awards, now in its 50th year, are one of the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious awards programme.

The Altham at No1 Blackhorse Lane, shortlisted in the Large Housing Development category, is an innovative co-living development comprising 321 residential apartments in Walthamstow, north-east London. Located on a prominent corner opposite Blackhorse Road station, the scheme transforms a previously underused site, formerly occupied by a vacant pub and music venue, into a new residential and cultural destination that contributes positively to the wider regeneration of Blackhorse Lane.

Clay brick plays a central role in the success of the project, both architecturally and technically. It was selected to give the building a strong and distinctive identity, whilst also providing the richness, texture and permanence appropriate to this prominent urban corner. The principal brick was chosen for its tonal variation and textured finish, which bring depth and visual warmth to the facades. Projecting header details create subtle shadow lines and rhythm across the elevations, enriching the façade with texture and visual interest while contributing to a crafted, high-quality appearance. These details allow the brickwork to animate the building at different times of the day, giving the elevations depth and changing character in varying light conditions.

76 Southbank, shortlisted in both the Refurbishment and Sustainability categories, is a Grade II-listed Brutalist landmark designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and completed in 1983 as IBM’s headquarters. AHMM’s refurbishment and extension celebrate the building’s original character and heritage while adapting it to meet 21st century sustainability standards and delivering an additional 100,000 square feet of flexible office space. The building is a leading example of purposeful, low carbon design operating with renewably sourced energy from air and water source heat pumps alongside over 175 photovoltaic panels to create a fully electric building. Achieving both BREEAM Outstanding and 5-star certification under the NABERS Design for Performance standard, the building takes advantage of its upgraded thermal envelope to create a highly energy efficient scheme.

Over 7 tonnes of reclaimed bricks, 27,360 floor tiles, and 95 tonnes of paving blocks were cleaned and reinstated by Lyons and Annoot before new material was introduced. Where new brickwork was required, the design team matched the original discontinued Etruria marl clay bricks, specifying 63,500 Ketley solid Class A Staffordshire Blue multi engineering bricks for the facades and ground levels. Their kiln-controlled tonal variation replicates the weathered appearance of the 40-year old originals, ensuring visual continuity and providing a durable, low-maintenance material with a long service life. Over 35,000 Ketley plinth bricks were used to remodel the base, creating a sloping profile that sheds water away from the masonry and protects the foundations.

Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on the 4th of November.