Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger Brick Award 2012

Natural construction material for future-oriented architecture

Vienna (pta013/28.03.2012/10:15 UTC+2) Timeless and innovative, durable and environmentally friendly: an increasing number of international architects are rediscovering the strengths of brick, a material with a long tradition in the history of building design and construction, as their material of choice. In the summer of 2012, Wienerberger goes one step further with the completion of the first e4 BRICKHOUSE 2020 built to meet low-energy standards in Austria. Outstanding examples of modern brick architecture are also at the focus of the internationally announced Wienerberger Brick Award 2012 being presented by the world's largest brick producer and the largest roof tile manufacturer in Europe for the fifth time this year.

Brick is a modern and versatile construction material. "It is our duty as a business to showcase the latest developments and trends and to give people who are interested in architecture, as well as experts, an overview of the range of applications in international brick architecture," says Wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch, convinced of the role of the Wienerberger Brick Award as an internationally recognised platform for brick architecture.

Building with brick: An exciting difference
"We are convinced that there must be an opposite standpoint against the transnational euphoria of 20th century steel and glass architecture, that particularly the perceptible difference between the interior and exterior space enriches architecture," writes Arno Lederer, Professor of Architecture at the University of Stuttgart, in his article in the book "Brick'12" titled "On building with brick". Modern buildings lack the surprises that make old houses special. "We don't expect anything special from these buildings anymore because from the outside we already know what they will be like inside. However, if one aims to generate a subtle difference, it is advisable to design the walls from a material that has for centuries prepared us for the exciting difference between interior and exterior: Brick."

A natural material that retains its value
Architect Rudolf Finsterwalder, a member of the high-calibre jury of the Wienerberger Brick Award 2012, also recognises the value of brick as a natural construction material: "If I apply a mineral plaster to the surface of the brick, the thermal insulation can be achieved using brick as a construction material, which can unfold its full potential. As a natural material, brick breathes, it absorbs and releases moisture and it contributes to creating an agreeable indoor climate."

Wienerberger puts focus on holistic thinking
As a globally leading brick producer, Wienerberger has made it its goal to work together with architects and clients in order to continuously develop brick as a building material. Heimo Scheuch: "We no longer think purely in terms of products; we think in terms of solutions and systems. Wienerberger considers the entire building, including infrastructure and landscaping."

Wienerberger realises e4 BRICKHOUSE 2020
Wienerberger's answer to the house of the future is e4. This building concept combines four important key factors: a massive energy-efficient building envelope made of brick, affordable construction and energy costs, the increased use of renewable energy sources, and a unique living quality. "We want to show that healthy, energy-efficient and affordable construction is possible with brick," says Scheuch. Europe's first e4 BRICKHOUSE 2020 will be completed in Lower Austria in the summer of 2012. The house already fulfils the new EU Building Directive, which as of 2020 will require new buildings to meet minimum energy performance requirements. The e4 BRICKHOUSE 2020 will produce more energy than it consumes using 100 percent renewable energy sources.

Wienerberger Brick Award 2012
Sustainability, energy efficiency, functionality and innovative exterior design are also at the focus of the Wienerberger Brick Award 2012. The globally outstanding buildings constructed using clay products were submitted by international architecture critics and architecture journalists.

The prize has been awarded every two years since 2004. The 2012 Gala will take place in Vienna City Hall on 3 May 2012. The Wienerberger Brick Award 2012 is endowed with a total of 27,000 euros in prize money. A total of 50 projects from 28 countries and five continents were nominated for the Wienerberger Brick Award 2012.

Wienerberger reference book "Brick'12" from Callwey Publishers
For the fifth time, the Wienerberger Brick Award will have an accompanying book, titled "Brick'12" and published by Callwey Publishers, featuring the nominations and award-winning buildings presented by international architectural writers.

Documents for download: Wienerberger Brick Award 2012
Photo material: http://www.wienerberger.com/press/photo-service
Fact sheet: http://www.wienerberger.com/news/wienerberger-brick-award-2012.html

About Wienerberger www.wienerberger.com
With 230 plants in 30 countries, Wienerberger is the world's largest brick producer and the largest roof tile manufacturer in Europe, as well as market leader in concrete pavers in Central and Eastern Europe. The publicly listed company, founded in 1819, employs some 12,000 people worldwide. More information about the previous Wienerberger Brick Awards 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 is available at www.brick10.com and about 2012 at http://www.wienerberger.com/brick-award

Contact:
wiko wirtschaftskommunikation GmbH, Elisabeth Scheiring, Co-Head, Vienna Office
Florianigasse 5a, A-1080 Vienna, T +43 (0)699 160 200 23 | elisabeth.scheiring@wiko.cc

Wienerberger AG
Marion Göth & Rita Kremsner, Corporate Marketing-Communications & PR
Wienerberger City, Wienerbergerstraße 11, A-1100 Vienna
T +43 1 60192-399 | brickaward@wienerberger.com

(end)

Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Marion Göth & Rita Kremsner
Phone:	+43 1 60192-399
E-Mail:	brickaward@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)