Dr Prem Life Improving Logo-R

11 – Tallest brick buildings in the world

Monadnock Building, Chicago, Illinois

Brick is a very versatile building material. It has been used all over the world to construct beautiful buildings – castles, homes, office buildings, museums, temples and churches and many other buildings, for hundreds of centuries. It will probably be used for many more years to come, as bricks have proved their durability. Take a look at the tallest brick buildings in the world, ancient and modern:

11 – Tallest brick buildings in the world

1. The Malbork Castle, Poland

The Malbork Castle in Malbork, Poland was built in the 13th century. It is a grand castle, and is the largest brick castle in the world by area and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered to be the largest brick structure, and had been heavily damaged in World War II, but was restored to its former glory. It now houses a museum and hosts exhibitions. Many moden day conservation techniques were developed during the consevation of this castle at various points of time in history.

2. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Catalonia, Spain

The hospital was founded in the year 1401, when 6 small hospitals were merged into one building. A new complex was added between the years 1901 and 1930. It was functioning as a hospital till 2009 June, when it had to undergo restoration and later came to be used as a unique cultural center and museum. This is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world, and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

3. Philadelphia City Hall

When you are in Philadelphia, you can’t miss the remarkable, breathtaking City Hall. It was, at one time, the tallest, occupied building and largest masonry buildings of the world, till 1909. In 1909, the Metopolitan Bank, New York, claimed the honor. The building has an astounding 22 feet thick base which supports its huge weight. The walls of the building is made of brick and covered with granite and marble. City Hall is at the center of the city and is a testament to the durability and amazing grace of brick buildings.

4. Stanley Dock Warehouse, Liverpool, England

This is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world, as well as the largest brick structure, not only in Liverpool, but also in the entire world.  It stands 125 feet tall, and has 14 stories. 27 million bricks were used to construct it along with 8,000 tonnes of steel, 30,000 glass panes. It was decayed due to disuse but, it has been featured in ‘Stop the Rot’ campaign by Liverpool Newspaper. The building might be converted into hundreds of apartments, and its centre might be hollowed out to create a garden.

5. Monadnock Building, Chicago, Illinois

Monadnock Building, Chicago, Illinois

It is a 16 story skyscraper which is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world. It is also the building which employed the first portal wind bracing system in the US, and the decorative staircases made from aluminum were also a first. The southern half of the building was added, and has a copper cornice on the roof. Both the halves have large glass panes, which allows for an open appearance inspite of its mass.

6. Battersea Power Station, London

This used to be a coal fired power station, but now is being developed as one of the most innovative mixed use buildings in the world. It is owned by Malaysian investors who are developing it to be a blend of shops, parks, cultural spaces and restaurants. It is one of the largest brick structure in the world, and was noted for the lavish, oiginal Art Deco fittings and decor of the interior.

7. Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, situated in Malaysia, used to house the offices of the colonial British administration, and is used as office building for the Malyasian government. The two storied building has an F shaped floor plan. There are three towers which have onion shaped dome, clad in copper. The building looks beautiful, with red bricks and banding and arches which are plastered with white plaster. The clock tower elevates the building to the status of being one of the tallest brick buildings in the world.

8. State Historical Museum, Moscow

This is one of the incredibly beautiful brick buildings inside and out, situated in Russia. It’s one of the tallest brick buildings in the world, which was built by Peter the Great. It now houses millions of relics and priceless artworks. Some of the notable items are a longboat which was excavated from Volga River banks, Scythian gold artifacts, Novgorod birchbark scrolls, folk ceramic and a huge amount of interesting articles. This is one of the largest brick structures which houses coins numbering 1.7 million, which is quite astounding.

9. St. Mary’s Church, Gdansk Poland

The St. Mary’s Church in Gdansk was constructed between1343-1496. It is one of the biggest brick structures in the world. It’s interior and exterior are breathtakingly beautiful. The Church can seat 25, 000 people at a time. The Church was badly destroyed during the World War II and restoration is still being carried out. As reinforced concrete was used to restore the building, it is one of the largest masonry buildings of the world as well.

10. St Pancras railway station

The station is known also as London St Pancras as well as St Pancras International which is the official name. It is histoic railway station known especially for the single span iron roof, beautiful front facade and the sturdy brick architecture.

11. Jetavanaramaya, Sri Lanka

This Buddhist ‘stupa’ in Sri Lanka, and was constructed centuries ago by the King Mahasena. The stupa is believed to house one part of the sash tied by Buddha. It was the tallest brick structure in ancient world, at 400 feet, but now it stands 232 feet and is third tallest brick building of the world.

The tallest and largest brick buildings are examples of the durability of brick as construction material. Brick buildings can bear quite a heavy amount of load, which makes them perfect as low cost building material.

Recent Articles:

Scroll to Top