Best Brick

Sigurd Lewerentz (1899-1976) was a prominent Swedish architect renowned for his deeply spiritual and emotionally resonant designs. He primarily focused on religious buildings, most notably St Peter’s Church in Klippan, a significant example of modernist expression within the context of 20th century...

The Samanid Mausoleum is an early Islamic funerary monument located in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Dating to the 10th century, it is considered one of the oldest surviving brick structures in Central Asia. The building is renowned for its intricate baked-brick construction, utilizing complex interlocking g...

Albi Cathedral stands as a significant example of French Gothic architecture. Constructed primarily from brick beginning in 1282, it’s one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved cathedrals. The cathedral's fortified design reflects its role as a defensive structure within the UNESCO World Heritage Si...

Rogelio Salmona (1923-2003) was a significant Colombian architect primarily recognized for his innovative use of brick and fluid, curving designs. His work, particularly in Bogotá, responded to the region’s climate and culture. Salmona's projects, including the Torres del Parque, addressed housing n...

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands as Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, a brick structure built in 1878. This active light guides maritime traffic through the notoriously dangerous waters of Yaquina Bay near Newport. Constructed by the U.S. Coast Guard, it is significant for its role in coastal navigatio...

Hendrik Petrus Berlage was a prominent Dutch architect influential in establishing modernist design within the Netherlands. His work, particularly the Amsterdam Stock Exchange of 1903, showcased innovative use of brick and reflected emerging urban planning principles. He primarily served public inst...

Gawdawpalin Temple is a massive Buddhist structure located in Bagan, Myanmar, constructed during the Pagan period in the late 12th century. Built under the rule of King Narapatisithu, the temple is a two-story gu-style structure characterized by its towering height, square plan, and diminishing terr...

The Lingxiao Pagoda, situated within the Tianning Temple complex in Zhengding, Hebei Province, China, is a historically significant Buddhist pagoda constructed during the Tang dynasty around 858 CE. Standing 41 meters tall, the structure is notable for its unique architectural design that transition...

The Longhua Pagoda is a historic Buddhist structure located within the Longhua Temple complex in Shanghai, China. Originally constructed during the Northern Song dynasty in 977 CE, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the municipality. The pagoda stands 40.4 meters tall and features an oct...

A DIY backyard pizza oven offers an opportunity to bake authentic pizzas outdoors. Constructed primarily from refractory bricks and insulated with materials like vermiculite, it creates a high-heat environment ideal for achieving a crispy crust. This project is suitable for serious cooks and enterta...

The Pagoda of Tianning Temple is an octagonal, thirteen-story brick tower located in the Xicheng District of Beijing, China. Standing 57.8 meters tall, the structure was constructed around 1100 to 1120 CE during the Liao dynasty. It is distinguished by its closely spaced eaves and intricate relief c...

Stockholm City Hall stands as a prominent civic monument in Stockholm, Sweden. Constructed in 1923, this brick building is renowned for its unique interior adorned with thousands of ceramic panels depicting scenes from Swedish history and folklore. It serves as the venue for the annual Nobel Prize b...

The Ruiguang Pagoda is a historic Buddhist structure located at the Panmen Gate scenic area in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. While the temple site originated during the Three Kingdoms period, the current pagoda was primarily constructed during the Northern Song dynasty in the 11th century. The se...

The Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is a 14th-century Sufi shrine located in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, housing the remains of the Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh. The mausoleum is an early example of Tughluq-era architecture, distinguished by its large octagonal brick structure and prominent dome,...

The Piazza San Marco Campanile stands as a prominent brick tower within Venice’s St. Mark's Square. Constructed primarily of brick, it serves as the bell-tower for the Basilica. The structure gained significance following its reconstruction in 1912 after the original campanile’s collapse in 1902. It...

Laurie Baker was an architect who developed innovative building techniques specifically suited to the tropical climate of Kerala, India. His work focused on utilizing locally sourced materials like brick and employing passive cooling strategies for affordable housing. He is particularly relevant to...

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a historic brick structure situated on California’s northern coast. Completed in 1871, it remains the tallest masonry lighthouse west of the Mississippi River. Its significant height and strategic location made it crucial for maritime navigation, particularly during th...

Kay Fisker was a Danish architect and educator whose Hornbækhus housing block of 1923 helped define Denmark's functional tradition.

The Himeji Castle set is a stunning representation of Japanese history. It captures the intricate multi-tiered structure and traditional aesthetics of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. The build focuses on scale and architectural accuracy, making it a sophisticated addition to any collection. It...

Castle of Coca in Castile and León, Spain, is a 15th-century Mudéjar fortress built for the powerful Fonseca family around 1453 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Mudéjar military architecture.

The Royal Albert Hall stands as a historic concert venue in central London. Built in 1871, it’s notable for its impressive Victorian architecture constructed primarily of brick and its enduring role hosting world-class musical performances including the BBC Proms. It serves musicians, performers, an...

Burana Tower is an 11th-century minaret in Kyrgyzstan's Chüy Valley, surviving from Balasagun, a major city of the Karakhanid state.

The Coca Castle stands as a significant example of 15th-century Spanish fortification. Constructed primarily of brick and featuring Mudéjar architectural influences, it offers insight into military design during that period. Located in Segovia province, Spain, the castle was commissioned by Archbish...

The Kharaghan twin towers are two Seljuk-era brick tomb towers in Iran's Qazvin Province, built in 1067 and 1093 with ornate geometric brickwork.

Solano Benítez is a Paraguayan architect leading Gabinete de Arquitectura. His work explores contemporary architecture through innovative brick construction techniques. Notably recognized with a 2016 Venice Biennale Golden Lion, his projects often address social issues and demonstrate a deep engagem...

The Little Sable Point Lighthouse stands on Michigan’s Lake Shore County coastline. Constructed in 1874 by architect Orlando M. Poe, this 107-foot brick tower guides ships through the Great Lakes. It is a historic landmark and remains an important navigational aid for mariners and attracts visitors...

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a historic brick lighthouse located on Florida's east coast. Constructed in 1884, it served as a vital navigational aid for maritime traffic through the Atlantic Ocean. As the state’s oldest and tallest brick structure, reaching 175 feet, the lighthouse now oper...

The Ribblehead Viaduct is a substantial stone bridge spanning Stainmore Gap in Cumbria, England. Constructed between 1876 and 1879, it features twenty-four impressive arches supporting the Furness Line railway. Its scale and engineering are notable, representing a significant feat of Victorian const...

The Songyue Pagoda stands as a significant relic of Chinese history. Constructed in 523 AD during the Sui Dynasty, this brick stupa is located in Dengfeng, Henan Province. It represents one of China’s earliest examples of large-scale brick construction and is notable for its distinctive twelve-sided...