Decorative Brickwork
The possibilities of brick are almost inexhaustible and are by no means limited to sturdy exterior walls. In today's review, we look at examples of its use in decorative partitions and facades in contemporary practice. Most of these solutions are simple and organic, which makes them fairly easy to adapt to other projects. For anyone searching for an original way to decorate a country house of their own, this is an excellent source of ideas.
The Little Brick Studio, created by the designers at MAKE Architecture (Melbourne, Australia), embodies the concept of minimalism while remaining remarkably organic in the heart of the city. The textured brick wall also serves as the boundary of the property.
The Brick Weave House in the United States, by Studio Gang Architects, has an openwork wall, also made of brick, that encloses the garden. Its three transparent walls (with no roof or floor) shield the courtyard interior from wind and frost.
The Harold Street Residence (Victoria, Australia) was designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects. The use of red brick allowed this modern building to blend into the Victorian context of the surrounding single-story townhouses. A decorative wall forms an air- and light-permeable screen over the entrance to the house.
We've already covered the unusual openwork brick wall that Anagram Architects built to escape the harsh sunlight in New Delhi, India, but it deserves another mention, because it is inexpensive yet looks remarkably original. What's more, its creators make no secret of the masonry method.
The Brick Pattern House (architect Alireza Mashhadmirza) is located in one of the poorer neighborhoods of Tehran, Iran, and the designers had to develop an easy, simple way to lay the brick facade. They called the technique the "23 method," because 23 bricks are stacked in every dimension. The translucent wall, which resembles a traditional woven carpet in structure, eliminates the need to hang curtains over the windows while providing ample protection from the scorching sun.
The CVA House in Mexico City, by Materia Arquitectonica, offers another approach to original window design on a brick facade. The brick elements are the main architectural device, creating a complex play of light and shadow and a distinctive look, while concrete and glass provide the structure's strength and functionality.
The design of the restaurant La Nonna (La Condesa District, Mexico City) was done by CheremSerrano and DMG Architects. The interior and exterior wall and ceiling panels are made of red decorative brick, whose patterned structure made it possible to create openwork surfaces that are elegant and light.
The perforated interior walls of the Japanese restaurant Uchi Lounge in Sydney are made of century-old bricks, creating a sense of permanence. The restaurant was designed by the Australian and Japanese architects of Facet Studio, and one of their goals was to create a hallway that builds anticipation for the delicious food to come. Isn't that an idea for a summer kitchen?