In collaboration with , we’re highlighting five notable projects from the which celebrate the innate capabilities of bricks and blocks.
Since 2005 the have recognised some of Australia’s best designers for their innovative use of bricks, blocks, pavers and roof tiles. Unified by these defining elements, the Think Brick Awards present high profile projects that push the boundaries on the unique potential of these ancient and tactile foundations.
The Think Brick Awards 2019 nominees were hailed as some of the boldest and bravest designs yet. In partnership with , we’re bringing five award-winning and highly commended projects across residential and commercial design to the forefront. These standout projects capture the versatility and distinctive qualities of bricks and masonry, representing the endearing work of human hands.
The Arc by Koichi Takada Architects
The Arc by was the joint winner of the Horbury Hunt Commercial Award, sharing its winnings with ROC by – that both reside in Sydney’s Surry Hills. Characterised by an 8-storey and podium sourced from Brickworks, this statement project captures the historical edge and warmth of 300,000 hand-crafted bricks.
Inspired by the arches and masonry of its heritage neighbours, Koichi Takada Architects designed this multi-use building with a level of intricacy and authenticity which is strongly connected to Sydney’s past. These curves push the material’s structural and sculptural limits, revealing how brick can be used to draw awe and inspire.
“A significant contribution to Sydney, The Arc is a sophisticated nod to the architectural heritage of our wonderful city.”
– Brett Ward, General Manager Marketing, Brickworks Building Products
Issue 33.
Design Abroad
The Arc by Koichi Takada Architects in Surry Hills, Sydney was the joint-winner of the Horbury Hunt Commercial Award in the Think Brick Awards 2019, using and from Brickworks.
“The intricate detail of this project reflects a labour of love. Bright, fresh, confident and vibrant, the Calile Hotel is a true celebration of art and craftsmanship.”
– Brett Ward, General Manager Marketing, Brickworks Building Products
The Calile Hotel by Richards & Spence
in Brisbane by received a high commendation for the Horbury Hunt Commercial Award in this year’s Think Brick Awards. Challenging the nostalgic Queensland timber-and-tin vernacular, 175-room hotel repositions masonry as a dignified material for architecture in subtropical climates.
The Calile Hotel marks a culmination of Richards & Spence’s work in the James street brick precinct, maintaining the streetscape’s existing scale, double-height brick arches. Described as ‘greatest professional achievement to date’, the Calile Hotel brings together 270,000 , that frame a guest’s experience from the lobby to the pool cabana.
by Richards and Spence was highly commended for the Hornbury Hunt Commercial Award at the Think Brick Awards 2019, made from 270,000 .
Balmoral House by CHROFI
The Horbury Hunt Residential Award unveiled a high-calibre suite of homes that explore the sculptural, geometric and textural appeal of bricks, as well as their enduring connection to residential design. Located in Sydney’s north shore, the Balmoral House by received a high commendation for its use of . CHROFI used these custom bricks to act as a common, tactile thread that reinforces the flow between inside and outside and to meet site challenges of space and elevation.
The Balmoral House works as a series of stacked, interconnected brick volumes that wrap around a secluded courtyard and terrace. Creating a fluid compilation of interior and exterior spaces, CHROFI have spectacularly opened up the home onto views of Balmoral Beach and Rocky Island beyond.
“Heroing the refined elegance of brick, the Balmoral house achieves serenity through its thoughtful application of colour and texture.”
– Brett Ward, General Manager Marketing, Brickworks Building Products
The Balmoral House by CHROFI received a high commendation for the Horbury Hunt Residential award for its use of custom colour
“The unapologetic use of material in this project is a welcome addition to its location. The confident contrast between masonry and other materials makes for a bold, edgy finish.”
– Brett Ward, General Manager Marketing, Brickworks Building Products
Edsall Street by Ritz & Ghougassian
, Edsall Street by received a high commendation for this year’s Kevin Borland Masonry Award. Taking out the Kevin Borland Masonry award last year with their , Ritz & Ghougassian relied on the same trusted material to bring this heritage alteration and addition to life.
was chosen for its light-quality, sharp-edge and clean finish. Everything about this Melbourne home works off the modern masonry, enveloping the interiors, stretching across the site and providing apertures to the garden.
The widely-acclaimed in Malvern, Melbourne by was highly commended for its use of from Brickworks in the Kevin Borland Masonry Award.
1+2 House by Curious Practice
Newcastle firm took out the Think Brick Awards 2019’s New Entrant Award, while also receiving a high commendation for their 1+2 House. Utilising the same from Brickworks as in Ritz & Ghougassian’s Edsall Street project, 1+2 House denotes the honesty and pragmatism of block work.
Curious Practice designed a masonry block podium to serve as a robust island protecting the home from the high flood line, while providing an undercroft and protective entry courtyard. The masonry responds to the pattern of defensive neighbouring architecture, embracing the stoic and elemental block’s form. The design firm also challenged how the archetypal block can be used, through bespoke architectural elements including a secret stairway, exterior light shades and block screening.
“Highly considered and thoughtfully constructed, the project embodies a true strength in composition and a humble beauty in form.”
– Brett Ward, General Manager Marketing, Brickworks Building Products
Curious Practice was awarded New Entrant Winner and a high commendation in the Kevin Borland Masonry Award for its 1+2 House, composed of available at Brickworks.
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