Now in its 38th year, the Corobrik Student Architecture Awards continue to celebrate and promote excellence in architectural education in South Africa. These awards have become one of the most respected accolades for emerging architects in the country. The awards play a vital role in showcasing the next generation of South African architects by celebrating innovative thesis work, providing a national platform for exposure to industry professionals, and fostering opportunities for recognition, networking, and mentorship.
The awards elevate architectural education by promoting excellence in design, sustainability, and social impact, while highlighting the potential of architecture to address critical urban and societal challenges. They are specifically aimed at final-year Master of Architecture (Professional) students. Each participating university nominates a top thesis student to represent their institution.
The selected students then compete at the national level for the title of Corobrik Student Architect of the Year. The competition includes participation from all South African universities that offer accredited programmes in architecture. Each institution holds its own regional award event, after which the national finalists are selected.
In a year marked by exceptional quality and diversity in student work, this judges also issued two special commendations. The regional finalists for the national award were selected from the eight major universities, based on the students’ Architectural Master’s theses from the class of 2024.
Tammy Ohlson de Fine from the University of the Witwatersrand has took home the R70 000 grand prize. Thapelo Douse from Nelson Mandela University and Shannon Rees from the University of Pretoria received commendations and each received R10 000 for their outstanding contributions.
The prestigious awards ceremony was held on Thursday 8 May at the Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Club. Corobrik CEO Nick Booth described the event not merely as a competition, but as an ongoing investment in South Africa’s architectural future. “It is an investment not only in terms of money, but in passion and belief in the profession and into the future of the built environment,” said Booth.
“We live in a country with significant challenges, but also with remarkable legacies and a resilient spirit. Progress requires new ideas and innovation, and our universities are a powerful engine for that. The faculty members empower the passion we see in students, not just in the winners, but in all participants.”
Booth emphasised the importance of fostering innovation within the industry: “Changing mindsets is key. These awards represent a major investment to help drive the kind of change we need, especially in architecture. Corobrik is proud to be the only brick company consistently developing new products. While many in the industry are focused solely on price, we believe creativity, innovation, and ideas are the way forward.”
He added: “We go the extra mile in producing special shapes that provide that final architectural detail, an element that enhances the legacy of the buildings our architects envision. Our long-standing relationship with the architectural profession is one we deeply value, and we remain committed to investing in both the profession and these awards.”
This year’s judging panel included Donette Werkman, Sole Director of We Do House Plans and Co-Director of Minnaar Werkman Architects; Vedhant Maharaj, CEO and Principal of Rebel Base Collective and winner of the 29th Corobrik Awards; and John Wilson-Harris, Director at Gabriel Fagan Architects.
“For me, it has been an amazing experience,” said Wilson-Harris. “I always enjoy working with students as they bring such energy and passion. Every project was unique, which made the judging process incredibly rewarding. It has been a real pleasure to be part of these awards.” Werkman added: “After over 20 years in the industry, it becomes harder to find things that challenge you. I said yes to this opportunity, and it’s been a wonderful, enriching experience. All the students were excellent.”
Maharaj echoed the sentiment: “As a past winner, it has been a personal privilege to come full circle and contribute from the other side. I was inspired by how conscious and distinct the projects were. Post-COVID, the field of architecture struggled, but there is now a resurgence of care, craft, and technical proficiency. Each project, whether technically or environmentally focused, demonstrated a gentle sensitivity to people and context. That gives me great hope for the future of the profession.”
Winning Projects Inspired by History, Environment, and Craft
Grand prize winner Tammy shared that growing up with a father in the building industry gave her early exposure to the built environment. “I only started architecture school at the age of 38. It was not daunting. I just went to Wits, put my head down, and did the work. I had a wonderful time, and I am a Witsie for life.”
Her award-winning thesis, based in Prince Albert in the Karoo, responds to the climate crisis by focusing on a biodiversity research station. “Much of architecture prioritises human users. My project also prioritises the land and its creatures, treating the environment as an equal protagonist in the design process, not just a backdrop.”
Commended finalist Thapelo, from Gqeberha, shared that he knew from the age of six that he wanted to be an architect. “I could not tell you what made me say it; it was as if I manifested it into the universe. When applying to university, my mother asked for a backup plan, but I told her there was none. It was architecture or nothing.”
Douse’s project explores discomfort and memory, reflecting on forced removals under the Group Areas Act. “I looked at South End in Port Elizabeth, a vibrant, diverse town dismantled by apartheid-era freeway structures. My proposal is not just a building, it is an evocative, almost uncomfortable setting. That is the kind of architecture I aspire to, serving as a mediator between humanity and matter, telling stories through space.”
Commended finalist Shannon took an unusual path into the profession. “My back story is boring as I did not want to be an architect at all. I studied engineering for two years, but after walking past the architecture faculty and seeing the wild things they were doing, I enquired, joined, and fell in love with it.”
Her project is situated in Eshowe, Zululand, and explores the region’s rich traditions of craft. “Eshowe houses the world’s largest display of wicker baskets and pottery. My project asks if I, as an architect, can be influenced by a potter or basket weaver? The locals speak so confidently of their craftsmanship, as if they can build anything from any shape. Learning from that is probably the best architectural education I could ask for.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Design Excellence
Corobrik’s support for architectural excellence extends beyond sponsorship and is a long-standing commitment to shaping the built environment through collaboration with South Africa’s top universities offering Masters of Architecture programmes.
“We are privileged to be part of this journey,” said Nick. “Many past participants have gone on to make significant contributions to their communities.” Corobrik Chairman Peter du Trevou, who has handed out the prizes at every single awards since its inception, added that Corobrik was proud to be part of such a longstanding tradition and would continue to do so with the 39th Student Architecture Awards next year.
All winning entries and finalist projects can be viewed online, along with a livestream of the awards event: https://www.studentawards.corobrik.co.za/.
