Brick: A Heavyweight for Modern Exteriors
If you picture only traditional homes when you think of brick, it's time to reconsider this modern contender
John Hill
March 14, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor... More
This ideabook wraps up my series on how exterior materials affect modern home design. While metal and fiber cement, and in some places stucco, are not traditional methods for cladding a building, brick is certainly rooted in traditional architecture and construction. Yet the days of using the modular clay units in load-bearing applications has waned — the architect Louis I. Kahn famously asked of a brick what it wanted to be; the brick replied, "An arch." Today, bricks are commonly just a veneer on a facade like other materials.
As in my other ideabooks, the examples here show brick used as an exterior material in a modern or contemporary manner. Brick is not as popular as other materials for these types of designs, but it's appropriate in temperate climates where cavity wall applications are beneficial. Even then, brick is not the predominant material. These are not ranch houses covered in brick, glass and roof shingles; they use brick as another means of expression, particularly alongside wood, for effect.
As in my other ideabooks, the examples here show brick used as an exterior material in a modern or contemporary manner. Brick is not as popular as other materials for these types of designs, but it's appropriate in temperate climates where cavity wall applications are beneficial. Even then, brick is not the predominant material. These are not ranch houses covered in brick, glass and roof shingles; they use brick as another means of expression, particularly alongside wood, for effect.
This house in Austin, Texas, by Alterstudio illustrates the myriad means of expression available with brick's variables: color, size, bonding, mortar color and relief. The tan bricks in this case provide a contrast with the dark ipe wood that is a major part of the building's front.
Note that, on the left side, the typical running bond (bricks overlap one another by half) is eschewed in favor of a ⅓ running bond; the overlap creates a woven effect with strong verticals countering the horizontality. Further, the expanse of wall over the ipe wood uses gray mortar, while that below uses a mortar that matches the brick color. These subtle differences add up to a unique effect that ties the brick with the wood.
Note that, on the left side, the typical running bond (bricks overlap one another by half) is eschewed in favor of a ⅓ running bond; the overlap creates a woven effect with strong verticals countering the horizontality. Further, the expanse of wall over the ipe wood uses gray mortar, while that below uses a mortar that matches the brick color. These subtle differences add up to a unique effect that ties the brick with the wood.
Moving toward the front door, we can see that the lower two-thirds of the wall adjacent to the entry has a texture that appears to complement the wood slats.
Looking at the bricks next to the front door, it looks like the ⅓ overlap of the bond above has been pixelated with some random relief. Cut bricks are turned and projected slightly to create the interesting texture that is highlighted by shadows at certain times of the day.
With the generous glazing, it's nice to see that the presence of the textured brick extends inside; it is not just an effect for passersby.
The Curved House in Springfield, Missouri, by Hufft Projects, also balances wood and brick. The former is also ipe, and the latter is a gray brick that curves in a couple of areas, giving the house its name.
In a closer look from the previous photo, the curve appears much more pronounced. While this is not close enough to tell if the bricks are straight or radial (the latter is used for tight radii), it's clear that it works.
The house's second curve cleverly inserts itself behind an ipe wood wall, complicating the relationship between the two materials. See more of this project.
Brick can also disappear behind paint, as in this renovation and addition to a house in Virginia by KUBE Architecture. Again, wood is set against brick, in this case on the garage and a privacy screen in the front yard.
A slightly closer look reveals the texture of the brick showing through. Painted gray, the brick walls act like a backdrop for the wood, also making the green of the trees stand out.
From the rear, it's apparent that the new portions of the house are flat-roofed volumes that flank the existing gabled building. This earlier piece is the brick exterior that is treated with gray paint, almost matching the addition.
A close-up of the rear reinforces how the gray exterior helps the other elements — wood and plants — stand out.
More:
Celebrating the Brick House
9 Top Siding Materials
Stucco Smoothes Modern Home Exteriors
Hello Again, Corrugated Panels
More:
Celebrating the Brick House
9 Top Siding Materials
Stucco Smoothes Modern Home Exteriors
Hello Again, Corrugated Panels
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And painted brick is a great way to get a modern look as well. Check out romabio.com/masonry.