On 4 September 2026, the winners of the 2026 Erich Mendelsohn Preis were announced in Berlin. The prize specifically recognises buildings constructed from brick. There were more than 500 entries from over 40 countries, from which the jury selected 99 architectural practices and projects from 18 countries. It is remarkable how many projects by Belgian design practices were nominated this year. The jury assesses the entries on the basis of three criteria: the quality of the design and the architectural execution, the consideration given to existing structures, and the taking into account of social aspects. On this basis, the jury has awarded the Grand Prix to the extension of Het Steen in Antwerp, realised by noAarchitecten.

Although our architectural heritage has been closely linked to brick for centuries, this is the first time the Grand Prix has been awarded to a Belgian practice. The award for Het Steen forms part of a series of international accolades: the Grand Prix follows on from the Flemish Immovable Heritage Prize 2022, a shortlisting for the EU Mies Awards 2024 and the AHI European Award 2025 in the Built Heritage category. This series of accolades underlines the exemplary value of the project as a contemporary intervention within a heritage context. As part of the restoration and extension of the medieval complex of Het Steen, noAarchitecten have used brick as a connecting element between the historic monument and the new development. The project won over the jury through its careful emphasis on the existing historical structure and by opening up the monument as a dynamic public space.

In the Public Buildings, Recreation and Sport category, the Wasserijsite project by dmvA won silver. This conversion of a former industrial laundry into a centre for creativity, local entrepreneurship and mixed-use activities forms part of the En Route! urban regeneration programme, which aims to breathe new life into the Dampoort and Sint-Amandsberg neighbourhoods in Ghent.

The nominations also include Abby in Kortrijk by Barozzi Veiga and Tab Architects, as well as the regeneration of the Hasselt beguinage by Bovenbouw and David Kohn.

In the Residential Building/Apartment Complex category, Studio Jan Vermeulen received an honourable mention for the Felix project in Brussels (Koekelberg), which transforms a former industrial site into a five-storey residential building. The project aims to restore a section of the urban fabric in a densely populated neighbourhood whilst providing high-quality, climate-friendly and socially responsible housing.

The nominees also included the ‘Apartment Building in the Docklands’ in Antwerp by Bovenbouw, and the YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) project in Kortrijk by MAKER architects.