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The Africotta Installation of the Year 2026 competition celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and unique spaces created with Africotta handmade cement tiles.
Open to homeowners, architects, designers, decorators, builders, contractors, and tilers across South Africa, the competition invites entrants to submit completed Africotta projects installed using tiles purchased between 1 January 2026 and 25 November 2026.
Entries close on 25 November 2026, with one winning project receiving a cash prize of R50,000.
Meet the Judging Panel
The Africotta Installation of the Year 2026 will be judged by an independent panel of respected professionals from the design, media, and creative industries. Each entry will be evaluated on creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and the overall use of Africotta handmade cement tiles.
Marcia Margolius
Editor-in-Chief of SA Decor & Design
With decades of experience in South Africa’s design and décor industry, Marcia Margolius is one of the country’s most respected editorial voices. As Editor-in-Chief of SA Décor & Design, she has worked alongside leading architects, designers, and creatives, celebrating outstanding spaces and innovative design. Her passion for excellence and extensive industry knowledge make her an invaluable member of the Africotta Installation of the Year 2026 judging panel.
Marlene van Rooyen
Editor-in-Chief of Media in Africa
With almost three decades of experience in business development, branding, marketing, and media, Marlene van Rooyen is the Editor-in-Chief of Media in Africa and an award-winning marketing consultant, publisher, speaker, business coach, and media strategist. She oversees leading industry publications, including Walls & Roofs and Floors, while Building & Décor serves as the group’s social media brand. Throughout her career, Marlene has helped businesses build powerful brands through strategic marketing and innovative thinking. Her expertise brings a valuable commercial perspective to the judging panel, recognising installations that successfully combine exceptional creativity with strong visual storytelling.
Christopher de Bod
Founder & Principal Designer of Christopher de Bod Designs
With more than 20 years of award-winning experience, Christopher de Bod is one of South Africa’s most respected interior designers. Renowned for creating exceptional residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality spaces, his work is recognised for its refined aesthetic, innovative thinking, and meticulous attention to detail. Christopher brings a wealth of design expertise and a discerning eye to the Africotta Installation of the Year 2026 judging panel.
Judging Criteria
Judged by an independent panel of industry experts
Installation of the Year projects will be independently evaluated by Marcia Margolius (SA Décor & Design), Marlene van Rooyen (Media in Africa), and Christopher de Bod (Christopher de Bod Designs) using the following criteria:
1. Design Excellence (25%)
The overall aesthetic appeal, creativity, and visual impact of the installation.
2. Innovative Use of Africotta Products (20%)
How effectively and creatively Africotta products have been incorporated into the project.
3. Craftsmanship & Installation Quality (25%)
Attention to detail, quality of workmanship, technical execution, and finishing standards.
4. Integration Within the Space (15%)
How well the installation complements and enhances the surrounding architecture, interior, landscape, or environment.
5. Overall Impact & Inspiration (15%)
The project’s ability to inspire, create a memorable impression, and showcase the versatility and beauty of Africotta products.
How to enter!
Entering the Installation of the Year competition is easy. Simply email photos of your completed Africotta project to:
competition@africotta.co.za
Please Include:
- High-quality photographs of your installation
- Your full name and surname
- Contact number and email address
- Project location
- Optional project description
Photo Guidelines
To give your project the best chance of success:
✓ Submit clear, high-quality photographs
✓ Include both wide-angle and detail shots
✓ Use natural lighting where possible
✓ Minimum recommended image size: 1200px wide
✓ Smartphone photos are welcome
Bonus Content
*Videos
*Before & after photos
*Progress photos
What Makes A Winning Project?
We’re looking for installations that showcase:
Creativity
Unique layouts, patterns, colour combinations, and design ideas.
Craftsmanship
Quality workmanship and attention to detail.
Overall Impact
Projects that transform a space.
Presentation
Clear, high-quality photography and video content.
Image Usage & Winner Participation
All submitted photographs and videos remain the property of the entrant. By entering the competition, participants grant Africotta permission to use submitted content for advertising, marketing, promotional, editorial, website, social media, and competition-related purposes, as well as future Africotta marketing activities.
Where applicable, credit will be given to the designer, architect, installer, photographer, or entrant, unless they request to remain anonymous.
The winning entrant must be willing to participate in photography, videography, interviews, and promotional activities with the Africotta creative team. Content produced may be used across Africotta’s print, digital, social media, and marketing platforms.
Ready to Enter?
One Project. One Winner. R50,000 Cash.
Before submitting your entry, please take a moment to review the competition Terms & Conditions.
Once you’ve read the Terms & Conditions, submit your project to:
competition@africotta.co.za
Competition Details
One winning project will be awarded R50,000 cash.
Entries Close
25 November 2026 @ 23:59.
Winner announced on 5 December 2026.