Brick Bay Folly Series

Where architecture meets imagination.

Each year, the Brick Bay Folly competition challenges emerging architects to create bold, experimental structures that push the boundaries of design. These inventive works blur the line between art and architecture, offering visitors a fresh perspective on space, form, and creativity.

Call for Entries — Folly 2026

Call for Entries — Folly 2026

Enter the 2026 Brick Bay Folly

Ready to bring bold architectural ideas to life?

The Brick Bay Folly is a unique opportunity for emerging architects to push creative boundaries at the intersection of sculpture and architecture. This design-build challenge invites you to create a one-of-a-kind, non-utilitarian structure that will be showcased on the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail for up to 4 years.

The winning team will receive a grant and in-kind support valued at $30,000, plus hands-on mentoring and national exposure in leading architectural publications.

Key Dates

  • Submission deadline: 9am, Monday 16th June 2025

Who Can Enter

This opportunity is open to teams who are either:

  • Graduates (within the past 10 years) of an accredited architectural programme
  • Current students of a New Zealand architectural programme (undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral, including international students)

How To Enter

    Step 1 — Register your interest by emailing: specialprojects@brickbay.co.nz

    Step 2 — See the Entry details here

    Step 3 — We will email you with the site plans

    Step 4 — Download the cover page for your entry

    Entries close 9am, Monday 16th June 2025.

    What We’re Looking For

    The selection process is blind and competitive. A panel of architects, artists, engineers and past winners will assess entries based on creativity, feasibility, and sustainability. Past successful entries have combined bold vision with practical skills and diverse team expertise.

    We strongly recommend visiting Brick Bay in person before submitting your proposal to understand the site context.

    Design Considerations:

    • Public safety and durability for 4 years outdoors
    • Creative and effective use of Resene colours and coatings
    • Strong emphasis on sustainable and circular design practices

    Support & Sponsorship

    Winners will receive technical support from our valued partners: Resene, Cassidy Construction, Structure Design, Cheshire Architects, and Unitec. Photography will be provided by architectural photographer Samuel Hartnett, and the project will be published in Architecture New Zealand and ArchitectureNow.

    The selected project becomes the property of Brick Bay Sculpture Trust, who retain the right to de-install, remove or sell the work in future.

    Ngā mihi nui to our generous sponsors and supporters:

    Resene Logo Cheshire Architects Logo Unitec Logo Structure Design Logo Cassidy Construction Logo Architecture Now Logo Architecture NZ Logo

    Questions?

    Please email Rachael Lovelace, Brick Bay Special Projects Manager, at specialprojects@brickbay.co.nz.

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