Ibstock Brick's Stock Bricks Play the Lead Role in Award-Winning Lyric Theatre

Online, December 12, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Heritage Red Blend stock bricks from Ibstock (http://www.ibstock.com), the UK's largest brickmaker, have been specified by O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects for the state of the art re-build of Belfast's award-winning Lyric Theatre - continuing the multi-million pound re-generation of the city.

Recently taking home both the prestigious Supreme Winner Award and Best Public Building award at this year's esteemed Brick Development Association (BDA) Brick Awards, the landmark theatre, situated on the banks of the river Lagan, provides a catalyst for the progress of Belfast's arts infrastructure.

For the re-build, project architects O'Donnell + Tuomey were keen to utilise a brick that would not only complement the local vernacular, but would also be in-keeping with the surrounding 'Belfast brick' streetscape and picturesque parkland of the river Lagan. Ibstock's traditional stock bricks in a Heritage Red Blend provided the ideal solution.

Mark Grehan, Project Architect at O'Donnell + Tuomey, commented: "With the theatre being designed and built to match the surrounding 'Belfast brick', selecting the right brick for the development was of paramount importance.

"We experimented with a number of bricks, but it was clear that Ibstock's unique stock brick in Heritage Red Blend provided the ideal solution, which not only complements the local vernacular but enhances the river landscape. We couldn't be happier with the finish and are thrilled to see the project getting the recognition it deserves, particularly in such a prestigious awards programme as the BDA Brick Awards."

Andrew Halstead-Smith, Marketing Manager at Ibstock, commented: "Our continued success at these industry awards is testament to our diverse range, unrivalled sustainability credentials, such as holding the responsible sourcing standard BES 6001 for every brick, great value and unmatched quality, not to mention our excellent technical service and design advice - so after taking home a total of nine awards from this year's event, four times as many than any other brickmaker, it's safe to say that Ibstock Brick are the ideal choice for specifiers and architects looking to build award winning buildings."

Ibstock has an unmatched range of stock bricks available, ranging from bricks manufactured by the most efficient, automated technologies, to those manufactured at the company's smaller brickworks that have been producing bricks for centuries using traditional techniques, with many of the bricks made by hand. With such a vast selection, there is a brick to suit every project and budget.

For further information on Ibstock's traditional stock bricks range, call 0844 800 4875. Alternatively visit www.Ibstock.com for all the latest news.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
At the 2011 BDA Brick Awards, Ibstock swept the board, taking home an impressive nine awards, four times as many as any other brickmaker. As well as winning the Supreme Award and Best Public Building for the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, the company was shortlisted for 43 projects across 15 categories.

The leading brickmaker was also awarded the highly coveted 'Brick and Block Supplier of the Year' award at the 2010 National Buying Group (NBG) Supplier Awards.

As the UK's largest brick manufacturer, Ibstock invests heavily in ensuring a more sustainable future through its manufacturing, its communities and its products - over £55 million since 2003.

Bolstering its commitment to sustainable business, Ibstock has also become the first UK brick manufacturer to be awarded a 'very good' rating for the responsible sourcing standard, BES 6001, which now applies to all of its brickworks across the UK.

The company offers an unrivalled choice of almost 500 different competitively priced products in its extensive range, which includes prefabricated brickwork components, rainscreens and a diverse selection of special shaped bricks and pavers.

All Ibstock's products are backed by its unique technical, design, stockist and site support services and comprehensive information - website and literature. Almost 300 years' brick making experience is sustained by Ibstock's national network of 22 factories and distribution centres.

www.ibstock.com

For further press information contact/reader enquires:
Nikki Poyser, IAS B2B Marketing, Clarence Mill, Clarence Road, Bollington, Cheshire, SK10 5JZ. Tel: 01625 578 578 Fax: 01625 578 579, email nicola.poyser@iasb2b.com.

For further product/technical information, contact:
Ibstock Brick at Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6HS. Tel: 01530 261999 Fax: 01530 257457.