First Winners of Holcim Awards Announced

Words: Dan Kamys First Winners of Holcim Awards Announced

??

The Holcim Awards Gold 2011 for Africa Middle East award and $100,000 were awarded to Di??b??do Francis K??r??, of K??r?? Architecture in Berlin, for a school project in Burkina Faso that uses only solar and wind power to cool the classrooms. By routing air through underground tubes, planting vegetation, and using double-skin roofs and facades, a significant thermal reduction is achieved.

Holcim Awards Silver went to a school refurbishment project in Palestine that improves natural ventilation and thermal insulation to create a comfortable climate and energy savings. Holcim Awards Bronze was presented to a sustainable construction training center in Morocco, which concentrates on the use of local resources.

Four Acknowledgement prizes were shared for projects in Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The “Next Generation” (student category) prize-winning projects are located in Ethiopia, Morocco and South Africa.

The Holcim Awards ceremony in Casablanca was the first of five events. Others will follow in Milan, Buenos Aires, Washington, D.C., and Singapore.

High-Performance Masonry Units: Elevating Structural Integrity and Aesthetics
September 2025

Manufactured concrete masonry units have been present in the construction marketplace for over 120 years. They are ubiquitous and are made in virtually every country on earth. The development of high-performance masonry units currently available across th

Peter Roberts
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Tomorrow, Digitally: How Tech is Revolutionizing Masonry
September 2025

The rhythmic tap of the trowel, the satisfying click of brick on mortar – masonry, in its essence, is a craft steeped in tradition. For centuries, it has shaped our skylines, built our homes, and stood as a testament to human ingenuity and skill. But just

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 28 Recap: Kendall Anderegg, President and CEO at Mutual Materials Company
September 2025

Kendall Anderg's journey in the masonry industry is a remarkable tale of legacy, innovation, and community impact. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Kendall's family business has been a staple in the industry since its founding in 1900. Now celebrating

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Ensuring Safety in Scaffold Access and Transference
September 2025

One of the most relevant issues currently affecting the industry is scaffold plans and safety. You are probably aware of new scaffold regulations required by general contractors and owners. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WHEN BIDDING

Clint Bridges
MAP Partner
Read More