What do an Arts centre in Belgium, a university building in Sydney, and a church in Uruguay have in common? Well, they are three brilliant examples of projects that have used brickwork to create texture and stand out in their design. In our latest around the world series, we look at five stand out buildings that use textured brick design in this way.
Yoko Ono Lennon Centre – Liverpool, UK
The first stop on our textured brick design journey is not too far to travel, in the home of the fab four and the closely named Yoko Ono Lennon Centre in Liverpool.
Located on the main University of Liverpool campus, this multipurpose centre features two lecture theatres, various seminar rooms, a café and the Tung Auditorium for performances, as well as bringing another car park and outdoor space to the university.
Graduates from the university working from architecture firm Ellis Williams designed the building, so it was a project close to home and heart. The use of red bricks reflects the prestigious standing of the institution and so perhaps an obvious choice. However, the use of Forterra’s Butterley Farmstead antique was no coincidence as they helped create the desired acoustic effect thanks to their density as well as colour and tone. Furthermore, the use of double-stacked protruding bricks catches the sun and, coupled with the curved corners, softens the overall impact of the building too.
Dr Chau Chak Wing Building – Sydney, Australia
Let’s catch a long-haul flight to Sydney to view our next project. Located on the campus of the University of Technology in Sydney, this Business School building is named after the businessman who donated a large sum toward the construction of the project.
Just looking at the overall effect of the building, it’s not hard to see why just as many people love it as do loathe it. From a distance, some describe it as a squashed brown paper bag, but you must get closer to the building to see how textured brick design is used to create this effect.
Designed by Frank Gehry, the facade is made from 320,000 sandstone bricks which is nod to the local heritage. There are five custom-made undulated brick types manufactured specifically for the building. This combined with the projected bricklaying and use of corbelling works together to create a unique and striking textured effect.
Nona Visual Arts Center– Mechelen, Belgium
Heading back to Europe to Mechelen in Belgium now, let’s discover the Nona visual arts centre. Although this was a project that was first thought of back in 1999 to add more space to the existing theatre building, renovations only started in 2016. Built on the site of an old printing business, the extension is carefully woven into the fabric of the existing patchwork of buildings in that space.
This project blends sustainability by using “green” concrete” and reusing the old printing plates of the former printing business to finish the sanitary walls, and a desire to restore the existing architecture of the alleyways. The exterior “brick in motion” patio walls are striking in their use of textured brick design and were created in collaboration with artist Nick Ervink.
The effect is created by a stack bond but using the smaller header of the brick which allows a more intricate pattern to be created. The bricks are projected at different amounts from the main wall, and the wide openings of the patio blur the lines of outside and inside, with the careful layout of the extension blending the existing Nona to the new.
Cristo Obrero Church – Atlántida, Uruguay
Next let’s jet over to South America and stop to admire the Cristo Obrero Church in Atlántida 45km from Montevideo. This striking building was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021. The church, bell tower, and underground baptistery were designed by Eladio Dieste and completed in 1960.
It was added to the prestigious list on account of the unique and innovative reimagining of a traditional church. It is built on a rectangular plan with a single nave and uses exposed and reinforced brick. This remarkable structure does not rely on supporting pillars, but rather uses curved walls and arches, supported by reinforced Gaussian vaults to create a seemingly endless undulating textured brick. This technique was invented by Dieste himself, which truly sets this pioneering church apart and highlights achievement in Latin American architecture.
Social Lounge – Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Sticking with South America, the final stop on our international building textured brick design tour is the Social Lounge in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. As the name suggests, this structure is a communal space with a swimming pool, BBQ area, sauna and guest room. It is an extension of an existing residential block.
The texture on all sides of the building is created by arranging local traditional raw clay bricks in different sawtooth bond patterns. In terms of space the design works around the position of existing trees and the raised platform gives the impression it is floating. The upper level of the building provides a space to be amongst the foliage and look out to the surrounding landscape. The texture of brick and the forest blend the natural world and contemporary human engineering.
Innovation in textured brick design
These 5 projects from all corners of the globe push boundaries and show innovation in textured brick design whilst incorporating the heritage and history of the space around them. Where in the world will your next project take you?
Whether you’re working on a heritage restoration or a cutting-edge contemporary project, the right brickwork can transform your vision into reality.
Explore our range of textured bricks and discover how we can help bring depth, character, and innovation to your next build. Need expert guidance? Get in touch with our team today to discuss your project requirements and material options.