architectum issue #25 (English version)

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M AG A Z I N E F O R B R I C K A RC H I T EC T U R E IN THIS ISSUE: Combining old & new architecture Gaining more space with extensions Upgrading buildings with bricks

03 2018

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#25

2 EDITORIAL XXX

CHRISTOF DOMENIG CEO Clay Building Materials Europe

EXISTING BUILDING STOCK: PERFECT FOR UPGRADE, REDESIGN AND OPTIMISATION Building plots ripe for development are highly sought-after, yet – especially in cities – also scarce and sometimes prohibitively expensive. The dream of living in a central location often calls for a special solution – whether it be a new construction in a narrow gap between existing buildings, building on a former industrial site or change of use, or even extending existing buildings upwards or out, or replacing them entirely. With intelligent designs, high-quality clay building materials, and special solutions, even these seemingly unpromising sites and old structures can be enhanced and used sustainably.

Old brick buildings have a distinctive charm – and provide a solid foundation for an upgrade in terms of space or function. The qualities of traditional brick buildings can be combined with the advantages of modern architecture to excellent effect. Whether the approach is one of sympathetic modernisation or vigorous intervention, extension, expansion, improving energy efficiency or change of use: with contemporary architecture, adapting an existing building can become much more than a mere compromise. Blending old and new buildings can result in a special aesthetic composition, or intentionally create strong contrasts to achieve an outstanding effect.

The projects featured in this issue serve to demonstrate how careful planning and high-quality clay building materials can combine to create more space, greater quality of living, and modern energy standards in existing buildings.

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Christof Domenig

14 IMPRINT EDITOR Wienerberger AG, 1100 Wien PUBLISHING HOUSE Starmühler Agentur & Verlag GmbH, 1010 Wien, www.starmuehler.at CHIEF EDITORSHIP Andrea Blama (Wienerberger AG) GRAPHICS & DESIGN Starmühler Agentur & Verlag GmbH, Artdirector: Thomas Tuzar, www.starmuehler.at PRINTING sandler print & packaging, Druckereiweg 1, 3671 Marbach an der Donau PRODUCTION sandler print & packaging PHOTO COVER Design Storey PHOTO REAR SIDE Sileghem & Partners WIENERBERGER AG CLAY BUILDING MATERIALS EUROPE, A-1100 Wien, Wienerberg City, Wienerbergstraße 11, T +43 (1) 601 92-10551, marketing@wienerberger.com, twitter.com/architectum, youtube.com/wienerbergerofficial

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CONTENTS XXX 3

04 24

EXTENSION 18 RECREATION OF ANCIENT FACADES France 22 CONSERVATORY AS EXTENSION OF TOWN HOUSE Belgium 24 CONTEMPORARY EXTENSION FOR 1950S BUILDING United Kingdom

STANDARDS 04 NEWS 05 RUSSELL JONES – Interview

UPGRADING 16

08 HORIZONTAL BRICK LINES FOR EXTENSION Netherlands 12 A STUNNING REGENERATION PROJECT United Kingdom

TRADITIONAL 26 NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD MILITARY HOSPITAL Belgium 28 BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A FORMER STOCK EXCHANGE Netherlands 30 BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR A STUD FARM France

14 SHIMMERING BRICK FOR AN URBAN-INFILL PROJECT France

32 SUCCESSFUL BLEND OF NEO-CLASSICISM AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN Switzerland

16 TRANSFORMING A WORKSHOP INTO AN ARCHITECTURE STUDIO Belgium

34 HANDMADE CLAY TILES FOR PRESTIGIOUS ROOF RENOVATION United Kingdom

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4 NEWS

Preserving a rich heritage and embracing innovation – all in one product.

SMEED DEAN FACING BRICKS The Smeed Dean range of facing bricks offers great flexibility to accommodate all kinds of design requirements and aesthetic preferences. In shades ranging from plain yellows, to the traditional London brick with its trademark black spotting, and highly-weathered bricks that blend in easily with older buildings, Smeed Dean bricks deliver a special touch. Their unique aesthetics make them ideal for a wide range of projects, from new build housing and commercial projects to renovation work. Available in three sizes and nine colours. www.wienerberger.co.uk

KEYMER TRADITIONAL HAND-MADE TILES Keymer is one of the oldest established roofing brands in the UK, crafting handmade tiles and fittings since 1588. The use of local clay produces unique, warm colours and textures, and provides renowned durability. Every tile weathers naturally to look better and improve with every passing year. Delivery is available throughout the British Isles, and Keymer tiles are used on roofs from cottages to castles, and supermarkets to town centres; we also export to Europe, America and now even Russia and Japan. Available in four ranges, with additional fittings, finishes and ornamental options. www.keymer.co.uk Designed to make your project look outstanding.

BRICK SLIPS: COMBINING AESTHETICS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY Brick slips are the ideal solution for maximising usable space during façade renovations. When lack of space prevents the use of a traditional brick, these brick slips – only around 22 mm wide – are a very practical solution. Thanks to their slim profile, brick slips also allow for numerous insulation solutions of varying thickness, yielding lots of possibilities for energy savings. Our brick slips are also easy to use; all you need to do is glue them in place on the façade surface. Once they are in place, they are almost indistinguishable from traditional, thicker clay bricks. Available in many different shades, offering the same qualities, aesthetics, and properties as clay bricks. www.wienerberger.be Ideal for façade renovations: saving space and energy

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INTERVIEW 5

14A Garway Road, London W2 was reputedly the last un­ developed bomb site in the Bayswater and Notting Hill area.

It was created by an incendiary bomb during the 1940 Blitz and remained untouched until June 2003.

URBAN SPACE & HOUSING Russell Jones established a studio in London in 1993 that is renowned for finely crafted Architecture and Design.

In this interview, he talks about how fine contemporary architecture can coexist with traditional building stock, making best use of urban space and how urban-infill projects can upgrade a whole area or street.

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n London, where your office is located, as in all European cities, urban space is quite limited; how can we make best use of the rare remaining space?

Ideally, making use of increasingly rare space would be easy. However, in London the process from start to finish can be quite cumbersome. The problem is not so much lack of imagination on the part of a good architect, but more a problem of the limits of local planning policy, individual planners’ ability, and the planning system in the location in which one is working.

With regard to the problem of densification in urban areas, how can we re-use or upcycle existing buildings?

Although we do, from time to time, adapt and re-use existing buildings in our projects, our main focus at present is on spending time looking for remnant land and backland sites, which can be used imaginatively and appropriately for new housing. In some cases, we instigate these projects ourselves and approach developers; in other cases, forward-looking developers come to us to consolidate such sites.

Although it is possible to imagine successful results on these kinds of site, in some cases, local planners still do not support such development and, sadly, the land remains derelict. The situation is slowly improving in London. However, the UK is some way behind more progressive-thinking European Countries, where considered, carefully-designed, and responsible development is – and always has been – a part of < the ongoing evolution of the urban fabric.

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6 INTERVIEW

Jones established a studio in London in 1993 that is renowned for finely crafted Architecture and Design. Together with a small, dedicated team, the studio has completed projects throughout the world.

< Is it quite common, or more of an exception, for individuals to engage architects? Aren’t most projects commissioned by developers?

The answer is generally specific to context. I will respond to this question relative to London, where we quite often work. Here you find a variety of approaches. On larger projects, a developer may employ one architect or urban designer to produce the master plan, and then a series of architects may be invited to create individual schemes to consolidate a neighbourhood. This is a common approach. In some situations, private developers work with local authorities, and comprehensive design teams are appointed through competition or tender. We are generally involved with smaller-scale projects – projects on infill or backland sites, many of which some developers would not consider viable. In such instances, we are encouraged to create something special, and not generic.

What are the challenges and considerations when working on an urban infill project?

One challenge is to convince the authorities to support such a development. Part of the process is to prove to them that the work contributes to the long-term improvement of the landscape in which we are working. We also have to convince clients to think of the long term, encouraging them to build well, as many developers in London simply default to building as cheaply as possible, without pride in one’s achievement. Weathering, maintenance, and longevity are not priorities in the UK’s urban landscape. This is one of the primary reasons we build with brick in the UK. If used well, simply-constructed brick architecture weathers well and requires little maintenance.Some small-scale developers do understand that they have to be responsible to the urban context and only achieve what they can to

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enhance the location. We normally work with those who are more inclined to complete neighbourhoods carefully and by increments. The influence such developers have can be significant in this context. If the work is of good quality, it lifts the neighbourhood and local community. In some locations where we have worked, other developers tap into this new enthusiasm by rejuvenating and upgrading surrounding building stock.

How can architecture upgrade a whole area/ street?

Our interest is in fitting in and belonging, enhancing our clients’ lives. When one of our projects completes a terrace, or kick-starts the consolidation of a tired backland site, this can stimulate the neighbourhood in which we are working. Our small brick mews house has contributed to the upgrading of the neighbourhood it sits in. We have seen this on several of our infill projects: if the quality of the completed project is beyond ordinary, both in terms of design and craftsmanship, this apparent improvement in a specific location can gradually lead to an overall improvement in an area.

How does the choice of material influence the process?

With a material like brick, which has been used for

Russell Jones

INTERVIEW 7

© Photos: Rory Gardiner, Russell Jones

This 2 storey brick house faces onto a quiet cobbled mews. Its 90 m2 site, on land to the rear of a listed building, was formerly occupied by a disused garage and derelict garden.

thousands of years, it’s wonderful that it is constantly re-considered, in every culture and every period, in different ways. Whether brick is being used in Amsterdam, in Copenhagen, or in London, the way local builders use the material ends up having an impact on the nature of the finished building.

»If used well, simply-constructed brick architecture weathers well and requires little maintenance.«

You could easily construct a building out of brick that looks quite contemporary.

Yes, brick is versatile. It’s a traditional and contemporary material and, if handled well, can produce special architecture that eschews transient stylistic tendencies.

Russell Jones

Are there other reasons, apart from this optic versatility, for choosing to work with brick?

There are the material qualities of brick: It has an inherent natural richness, a grain and texture, and superior weathering characteristics to many contemporary building materials, which fade, buckle, and don’t have a natural sense of gravity. Moreover, we enjoy using materials that are familiar to a location, in terms of colour, texture, and weathering characteristics. We like to build with a material that will weather beautifully and last. With brick, we appreciate that it will also influence the building methods and details that combine to create its essential character. >

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8 UPGRADING

HORIZONTAL BRICK LINES FOR EXTENSION The Singer building is the cultural heart of the village of Laren, the Netherlands. Singer began life as a museum villa with a sculpture garden, and is also a performing arts venue. The recent expansion includes a state-of-the-art theatre and large public foyer. The new clay brick façade reflects the local environment: specially shaped bricks have been used to achieve the desired horizontal effect.

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he newly-built foyer creates a connection between the two existing buildings, namely the sculpture garden and the new theatre. Architectural firm krft teamed up with Sanne Oomen of Oomen Ontwerp to create the design for the new building. Oscar Vos, architect and partner at krft says, “This was the first time we’ve been asked to design a theatre. So, we started with extensive research, and spent days with the employees at Singer. The design evolved from this process”.

LIGHT GREY BRICKS LEAD THE WAY An extra-long brick in a light grey shade was chosen for the façade of the new foyer. Vos says, “We chose this special colour to give the plinth a light and accessible character. The long bricks have been laid in random patterns with a light mortar: this creates a monochrome surface, which leads to the entrance”. The entrance gives visitors an immediate glimpse into the sculpture garden beyond the foyer.

The theatre rises above the plinth. “We wanted to position it modestly, because the shape is actually too big for the village. The volumes and colours of the surrounding buildings, including a lot of roofs with flat, clay tiles, were carefully examined. This gave rise to the idea of using a sloping brick – a specially formed brick with a sharp edge, which gives you a beautiful horizontal shadow effect when the < sun shines at a certain angle”.

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FACTS & FIGURES Project name Singer Laren Museum, Laren, Netherlands Architect krft architects, Sanne Oomen of Oomen Ontwerp Products used Custom-made façade bricks Year of completion 2017

Light grey bricks were chosen to give the museum a light and accessible feel.

© Photos: Christian van der Kooy

UPGRADING 9

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10 UPGRADING

The extension offers more space and a new foyer.

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UPGRADING 11

< CUSTOM-MADE PRODUCTS Vos describes the development of this sloping brick as exciting: “We developed the shape in partnership with Wienerberger. A similar mould already existed, and we modified it to suit our ideas. We also designed new moulds for the cornerstones – a fascinating process!” The sloping bricks are fired in a mix of colours. “Like patchwork, literally composed of colours from buildings in the surrounding area. And a perfect match for the villa, of course”, says Vos. The sharp horizontal lines ensure that the building merges with the landscape.

“The light on the façade is particularly beautiful in the morning and in the evening”, says the satisfied architect. >

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12 UPGRADING

The client was looking for something highly energy efficient that would look great in its idyllic location â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making brick the perfect choice.

The architects turned what was once a bit of an eyesore into something that will leave a lasting impression on whoever sees it.

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UPGRADING 13

A STUNNING REGENERATION PROJECT

© Photos: Chiles Evans + Care Architects

Based in the Park Estate near Nottingham Castle, Nottingham, UK, Mews House on Ogle Drive is located in an idyllic spot. At the bottom of the castle hill, it is surrounded by large detached villas and mews houses. The original shell was in poor condition and was replaced with a clay brick façade, which is both visually appealing and fits in with the aesthetics of the historic area.

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he owner was keen to transform the site into something truly special, and has certainly succeeded – the project was featured on the Channel 4 television show Ugly House to Lovely House as an example of how to update a once unsightly building. The structure was in desperate need of renovation to its external façade. The original shell of the 1980s construction was in poor condition and built from inappropriate materials that clashed with the aesthetics and Victorian heritage of the area.

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Ogle Drive, Nottingham, UK Architect Chiles Evans + Care Architects Products used Terca Marziale Year of completion 2017

UPGRADING WITH BRICK The challenge faced by Chiles Evans + Care Architects was to create a more pleasing aesthetic by upgrading the existing fabrics, whilst also improving the building’s energy efficiency and complementing the local vernacular. This small but challenging project was successfully achieved within budget.

CONTEMPORARY BRICK WALL The architects chose clay bricks to replace the original external skin with a crafted brick wall, which incorporates a pattern to create a new decorative façade. The brick of choice offers a classic look enriched by aesthetic variation in colour and texture. The product’s striking appearance leaves a lasting impression – allowing the building to stand out, yet simultaneously blend in with its surroundings thanks to its neutral tones.

NEW ENERGY STANDARD The renewal of the front façade was driven by both aesthetic perception and energy performance. Once the external brick was removed, the poor state of the original construction was revealed in full. The building had no insulation, and the internal skin of thermalite blocks was cracked. It became clear that whatever material were to be used, it would need to be durable and have naturally energy efficient properties; clay offers both, and has a long life span, which means that it will retain these properties and continue to perform well for several generations. Naturally, clay seemed to be the best product to choose in combination with its outstanding look – it was the right choice. >

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14 UPGRADING XXX

SHIMMERING BRICK FOR AN URBANINFILL PROJECT The 50 m-tall Allure development, in the famous Batignolles district of Paris’ 17th arrondissement, France, evokes a sense of lightness and finesse. The residential project was built in amongst dense, existing architecture.

A façade panel system with integrated clay bricks boosts the building’s sense of radiance, helping it to stand out from the surrounding urban architecture.

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efore the project even started, there was dialogue between the stakeholders, which proved successful. These preliminary discussions were held to envisage how the new development could look. FRESH Architectures and ITAR architectures came up with the overall idea of Allure, a multi-faceted architectural composition. The development is defined by the neighbouring buildings: a 15-storey tower, a seven-storey building, and town houses.

“It’s a triangular site, and the idea for the buildings stems from a giant origami sculpture, designed to open up views of the housing from every angle”, says Julien Rousseau from FRESH Architectures.

FINDING THE PERFECT SHADE FOR THE MID-HEIGHT BUILDING Given the light colours of the concrete used for the 15-storey tower, and the metallic and black shades of the neighbouring buildings, the architects opted to clad the mid-height building in insulating clay bricks. A façade system with brick cladded panels was used for its good insulating qualities and because it is quick and easy to install. The panels consist of clay facing bricks on polyurethane foam

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FACTS & FIGURES Project name Allure, Paris, France Architect FRESH Architectures and Itar architectures Client Fernandes Products used Kess terracotta panels from the Terca range, in the shades Elmore, Nero Zwart and Forum Cromo Year of completion 2017

A façade panel system with clay bricks was chosen because it combines insulating properties with an aesthetic appearance.

UPGRADING XXX 15

A combination of three shades of clay brick was used to imitate traditional Parisian brick.

insulation, which can be attached to the supporting structure in a single operation using mechanical wall fixings and dowel pins.

© Photos: Géraldine Bruneel

NATURAL AGEING OF THE MATERIALS To ensure the perfect combination of colours was used, a prototype was installed on site to judge lighting, the shimmering effect and its appearance from a variety of distances. In the end three shades were chosen. The panels create the impression of traditional brick, and Julien Rousseau appreciates that “as with old bricks, the patina will develop slowly. Over time, the grouting becomes more emphasised and allows the building to age naturally.”

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MORTAR The colour of the mortar was also important, because it has a considerable impact on how the colours of the facing bricks are perceived and, therefore, on the success of the colour combination. The light colour has a reflective quality, appearing whiter in the sunshine. So, from close-up, the view passers-by have is of a façade broken up by joints, imitating Parisian brick. As they move further away, the design resembles a textile weave, and then creates a slight shimmering effect from all angles of the building. >

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16 UPGRADING

TRANSFORMING A WORKSHOP INTO AN ARCHITECTURE STUDIO A deserted former carpentry workshop in Zwevegem, Belgium, has been converted into an energy-efficient office building. The existing brick walls were finished with a new glued brick volume with glazed clay roof tiles.

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y setting up their offices in a former carpentry workshop in Zwevegem, Sileghem & Partners, an architectural and engineering firm, consciously chose to sustainably repurpose existing heritage. The attention of the architects had been caught by a small, abandoned, industrial building.

They decided to save the outer brick shell and its structure, whilst converting the whole into an energy-efficient office building. Top of their wish list was combining an open-plan feel (for the work space) with the scale of a small, secluded, grassy area.

A MODERN CLAY TILE ROOF The deserted carpentry shop had been extended over the years, and then left to gather dust and scars. The architectural firm did not consider this a reason to tear it down. Instead, they opted for careful renovation. The unnecessary additions were demolished, and the damaged roofs were replaced with a well-insulated flat roof, cladded with clay roof tiles, that rests on the existing, steel

UPGRADING 17

© Photos: Sileghem & Partners

Unnecessary extensions were demolished but the useful brick walls were preserved. The new office is a new and fresh interpretation of a workspace and revitalises the whole street.

structure. The new walls are built in the same redbrown colour palette of clay bricks. Without screaming, the new building modestly attracts attention.

FACTS & FIGURES

ENERGY UPGRADE Well-planned layouts, substantial insulation, and careful attention to detail resulted in a K-value (thermal losses through the building shell) of 27 and an airtightness rating of 0.7/h (n50). Underfloor heating is powered by a condensing gas furnace. The net energy requirement is 112 kWh/m². Adding solar panels will bring the E-value down to 22.

Architect Slieghem & Partners

Project name Office building Slieghem & Partners, Zwevegem, Belgium

Products used Terca Egala Elise and Koramic Plain Tile 301 Wine Red glazed Year of completion 2017

A PLACE TO FEEL GOOD AT WORK Even more impressive than the energy efficiency statistics are the quality of the workspaces and the way in which they were conceptualised, reworked, refined and built by the architects. The spaces for intensive or group work had to be precisely linked up, with special attention to acoustic comfort and a sense of openness, where possible, and privacy, where needed. >

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18 EXTENSION

Š Photos: GrÊgory Tachet

The hand-moulded bricks are a splendid material, durable and requiring no maintenance.

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EXTENSION 19

RECREATION OF ANCIENT FACADES The architect behind a contemporary extension to the preschool in Ensisheim, France, chose hand-moulded bricks for the construction.

The preschool is located near the town’s historic centre, and the mediaeval buildings were the inspiration behind the idea to recreate the appearance of ancient facades in contemporary shapes and colours.

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he brief for the project to extend this building was to create something in keeping with the existing building and its immediate environment – the historic town centre of Ensisheim. The tender was won by architectural agency FFW in Mulhouse. This small town in the Alsace potash basin is still home to some beautiful 16th century residences, such as its Regency Palace, and the town ramparts date back to the 13th century. Not only was the project constrained by the need to respect this architecture and a tight budget, it also had to be easy to maintain due to its proximity to the preschool sports grounds. The children throw a lot of balls around during their play and hit the façade regularly.

FIRST CHOICE: HAND-MOULDED BRICK For Johann Froeliger there was never any question of using anything but hand-moulded brick, because it “is a splendid material, which also conforms to the stand- <

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Preschool Extension, Ensisheim, France Architect FFW - Johann Froeliger Client SCHWOB in TRAUBACH le BAS (Haut-Rhin) Products used Hand-moulded Terca bricks in Agora Titan Grey and Agora Silver Grey Year of completion 2017

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20 EXTENSION

A development that is in keeping with the town architecture, delivered on a limited budget.

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EXTENSION 21

»There was never any question of using anything but hand-moulded brick, because it’s a splendid material, which also conforms to the standards of the French architectural review board.« Johann Froeliger, Architect

< ards of the French architectural review board, is durable and requires no maintenance”. He chose hand-moulded bricks in two shades, Agora Titan Grey and Agora Silver Grey.

The architect likes “the natural and irregular look of this brick”, which allows the creation of specific designs on gable façades. The town’s mediaeval buildings were the inspiration behind the idea to recreate the appearance of ancient façades in contemporary shapes and colours. Moreover, the very specific pattern used has enlivened the straight, sleek lines of the extension. As the architect says, “you get different shadow effects depending on the position of the

sun”, which are accentuated by the two alternating colours of brick. Light and shadow combine in different ways depending on the time of day, like tiny sundials on the façade.

TRUST IN THE CONTRACTOR The architect defined a percentage of grey to be used per square metre, and then left the contractor to lay alternating light and dark bricks in a random pattern. The project represents a traditional structure, in a natural material, with a contemporary twist. Now, the children can throw around as many balls as they like – the brick façade of the preschool building can handle them all! >

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22 EXTENSION

CONSERVATORY AS EXTENSION OF TOWN HOUSE A town house in Ledeberg, Belgium, constructed on an unappealing plot, is home to a young family. The conservatory serves as an acoustic and thermal buffer – the clay facing bricks used in its construction support both qualities.

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Corner house, Ledeberg, Belgium Architect STUDIOLO architectuur and Koen Matthys Products used Terca Milosa Hoornbloem Year of completion 2015

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corner plot at a hectic crossing near a main road seems anything but an attractive site for a young family’s first home. However, thanks to an affordable purchase price and simple, creative solutions, STUDIOLO architectuur and Koen Matthys have created an undeniably intimate and comfortable home in this busy environment. From the beginning of the design phase, the conservatory was a crucial element in solving the plot’s many problems and adding value to the house.

AN EXTENSION AS SOLUTION The standard construction of the building was modified on the side where it adjoins a public square by separating the outer wall from the inner wall, creating an acoustic buffer between the home and the outside world. Thanks to its orientation, this open area serves as both a thermal buffer and a sun room in the colder seasons. The outer wall also forms a visual screen, limiting the view in from the street but, thanks to strategically placed large windows, maintaining outward views. Internally, “indoor terraces” connect the living areas to the extension at several levels. A brickwork wall embraces the residential volume and the conservatory. The facing bricks support the massive aspect of the large façade, whilst also enlivening it with colour variation in shades of grey and brown.

GOOD INDOOR CLIMATE The building uses a ventilation system which draws fresh air in from the conservatory. Consequently, no cold air is pulled in directly

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from the outside, and the fresh air requires much less heating to reach room temperature. With this special ventilation system, and thanks to the orientation of the house, which benefits from natural light, the architects created an ideal solution for this difficult building plot. >

EXTENSION 23

Š Photos: Stijn Bollaert

Optimal use of light and space, combined with brick building materials, was key to achieving building quality.

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24 EXTENSION

Grevel Lane was a great collaboration between the factory, the architects, and the Wienerberger Heritage Services team to create and support a unique project.

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EXTENSION 25

CONTEMPORARY EXTENSION FOR 1950s BUILDING A modern extension formed part of the renovation of this traditional Cotswolds building in Gloucestershire, UK. The addition had to complement the existing architecture, adapting the vertical façade tiles used on the wall and roof. Handmade roof tiles were created especially for the project, in consultation with the architects.

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Grevel Lane, Gloucestershire, UK Architect Design Storey Products used Custom-made roof tiles

© Photos: Design Storey

Date of completion 2017

Every roof tile was handmade.

Materials and techniques were adapted to fit the distinctive look and feel associated with the period of original construction and the local surroundings.

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awrence Grigg and Lydia Robinson from Design Storey, an architecture and development company, faced several practical and aesthetic challenges during the project. Not only did the renovation of the house need to create a usable space and add bespoke features, it also needed to complement the existing architecture whilst adapting the vertical tiles for use on the façade and roof. This was particularly challenging, because every external surface was clad in tiles, from the roof to the walls. Furthermore, it was vital that the colour of the new roof complemented the palette of the existing Cotswold stone walls. It was decided to opt for custom- made roof tiles, to ensure that the colour, format, and appearance all met these exacting requirements.

EXCELLENT COOPERATION Lydia Robinson, the project architect says, “Our brief was a challenging one, as every external surface was clad in tile, from the roof to the walls. However, we were keen to create a monolithic and contemporary interpretation of the Cotswold vernacular – and Wienerberger’s Heritage Services Team helped us do it. From the visit to the factory to see our tiles being made, through to working through the design details with the technical team, we were all committed to achieving a high-quality result. Each tile is like a piece of art in its own right – in fact, we love them so much that we’ve displayed them on a shelf in the house!” This house is now a beautifully renovated property with a contemporary tile-clad pavilion extension, and has been featured on the British TV Show Best Laid Plans. >

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26 TRADITIONAL

NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD MILITARY HOSPITAL The Milho in Oostende, Belgium, is a former military hospital that was redeveloped to create a new city quarter, specially designed for young families. The hospital’s traditional brick buildings were retained, preserving its charm. New structural elements were carefully integrated into the concept; clay bricks and roof tiles were used to create a connection between the old and new spaces.

PLENTY OF LIVING SPACE Today, 140 houses, 20 lofts, and 60 apartments provide plenty of living space in an environment with a special feel and in an ideal location. Oostende is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Belgium and not only is the development near the coast, it is also close to a nature resort. A new cycle path along the coast passes directly through the former military hospital. The historic buildings are at the centre of the development; new houses were only built around the edges of the plot in order to leave the traditional aesthetic untouched. The site is therefore partly surrounded by a brick wall, helping

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it remain secluded and quiet. The former chapel has now been repurposed as an event venue for the local community, with a new, ornamental staircase, added by a local artist, to draw attention to its new purpose.

BRICK COMBINES OLD & NEW The architects from Groep III carried out the renovation of the existing buildings according to an overall plan. The structure of the traditional building was upgraded and enhanced, and remains clearly distinguishable from the new build, but ties closely with it visually. This connection was achieved by using construction materials common to both the old and new buildings: clay bricks and clay roof tiles. The use of brick and roof tiles was primarily prompted by aesthetic considerations: they form an attractive whole. However, the architects had an indepth discussion with the Belgium Building Heritage Agency before deciding on the specific colour and texture of the facing bricks. The same degree of precision was also applied to the restoration of the old bricks.

The redevelopment is certainly a success – lots of space to feel-good for families in a high-quality brick structure. >

The historic buildings are at the centre of the development; new houses were only built around the edges of the plot in order to leave the traditional aesthetic untouched.

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Milho, Oostende, Belgium Architect Groep III Products used Terca Roedelands, Rijnvorm and Koramic Flemish Tile 401 Natrual Red Year of completion 2014

© Photos: Architectengroep III

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he hospital had a long history leading up to its redevelopment. It was opened in 1913, but was closed shortly after the German military invasion of Belgium in 1914. In 1918 the complex was severely damaged by a bomb. During the Second World War, it was used as a storage facility before once again serving its original purpose of a hospital.

It was closed in 1993 and, ten years later, officials decided to redevelop the site and create a whole new city quarter with 220 housing units.

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28 TRADITIONAL

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A FORMER STOCK EXCHANGE The Beurs van Berlage (former stock exchange building) in the heart of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is an architectural work of art, built from beautiful brick masonry. The interior walls, constructed from glazed brickwork in a variety of colours, also reflect the history of the building, from its original design by builder Berlage through the changes it has undergone over the course of a hundred years.

RESPECT FOR THE PAST Janneke Bierman, architect and director at Bierman Henket, talks about the Beurs van Berlage with respect and compassion. In recent years, she has supervised a number of drastic renovations to the building. “We currently like it, the colours and the glaze. But, twenty years ago, everything had to be white, arches were bricked up,

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FACTS & FIGURES Project name Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, Netherlands Architect Bierman Henket architects Products used Custom-made glazed façade bricks Year of completion 2017

and ceilings were added. We’re reconstructing the original design. Our priority is to make Berlage shine again. Having done that, we’ll look at how we can introduce contemporary wishes and requirements”, says the architect.

GLAZED BRICK DRAWS ATTENTION The blue, green, black and yellow glazed bricks draw attention to the Beurs. But there are also entire walls in ivory white and warm brown. “For the restoration details, you’re looking for bricks that come closest to the original colour, glaze, and texture”, says Bierman. During the design process, there was close cooperation with Wienerberger, to achieve the best colour nuances for the glazed bricks. The development team found what

© Photos: Wienerberger Netherlands

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msterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage was built in 1903, and opened by the then Dutch Queen Wilhelmina as the Dutch stock exchange and trading centre. It has a long history of trade, craftsmanship, and mercantilism. More recently, it was redeveloped and converted into a first-class conference centre.

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»We’re reconstructing the original design.

Our priority is to make Berlage shine again.« Janneke Bierman, architect and director at Bierman Henket

they were looking for, choosing from a wide range of colour samples and new glaze compositions.

COMBINING OLD AND NEW At the Beurs van Berlage it was possible to create a mixture for certain locations using existing stones from a demolished wall. “That’s the best thing”, says Bierman. “If you can blend the old and the new together. It’s difficult with new openings in the wall. Special bricks are needed there. So they’re all new and made in exactly the right colours”.

The new doors and reconstructed elements are exact-as-possible replicas. “If you know, you can see differences, for example in the width of the joints”, explains Bierman. “For most visitors, it looks like it’s always been that way. That’s what gives us joy”. >

The priority of the architects was to make the Berlage shine again – they definitely succeeded.The glazed bricks were custom-made to fit the traditional design schemes.

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The new built stables include 14 stalls for competition horses.

An authentic character is provided by a mixture of traditional clay roof tiles in two colours – dark amber and dark red.

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Haras Les Adélis, Cambremer, France Architect Catherine Couverture roofing company Products used Aléonard dark amber and dark red Year of completion 2017

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BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR A STUD FARM The Haras Les Adélis stud farm in Normandy, France, specialises in breeding race horses. The newly constructed stables provide 14 stalls for competition horses, and had to be both comfortable and in keeping with the traditional, local architecture of the old manor house.

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efore Haras Les Adélis was transformed into a prime stud farm, it was a hotel. Parisian lawyer Philippe Druon has always had a passion for thoroughbreds, and this prestigious project was the realisation of a dream. The local region is known for rearing racehorses and top-level show jumping horses. In addition to the building work, the project also included extensive landscaping work with the planting of 30 trees and the addition of new pastures.

© Photos: Frédéric Miette

HIGH-QUALITY STALLS To create more space, new stables were built to provide 14 stalls for competi-

tion horses. The new building had to blend in with the other buildings on the property, including an old manor house. The aim was to create a building with an authentic Normandy character, typical of the region. The Catherine Couverture roofing company succeeded in doing just that, over the course of three months’ hard work in the depths of winter.

1700 m² of traditional clay roof tiles were incorporated into the structure.

Phillipe Druon says, “My wish was to create something beautiful and professional. The stables had to fit in the landscape in harmony with the old building stock.”

AUTHENTIC LOOK WITH TRADITIONAL CLAY TILES A mixture of 80% dark amber and 20% dark red tiles was chosen to create the desired look. The amber-coloured tiles come out in nuanced shades, depending on their position in the oven, which results in greater, subtle variety of colour in the roof, lending it an aged look. An authentic touch, even for a new building! The final touch was provided by the client – a chimney on the roof and finials made in a pottery.

The excellent craftsmanship has been awarded an Aléonard trophy in the Public Choice category, recognising the aesthetic results and high professional standards of the project.

Emmanuel Catherine says, “I believe that people who see the building appreciate the absolute respect for traditional architecture, which only comes with long experience and continual commitment to professional standards.” >

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Old buildings often suffer from structural shortcomings. External insulation is sometimes ruled out for reasons of architectural preservation. Backing bricks allowed the developers to accommodate both these considerations.

SUCCESSFUL BLEND OF NEO-CLASSICISM AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN The SIGA Guesthouse in Ruswil, Switzerland, was originally built in 1840 as the parish poorhouse and orphanage. Following a successful renovation and extension, the building is now a hotel and training centre. The monolithic brick masonry combines architectural preservation with modern external insulation.

Project name SIGA Guesthouse, Ruswil, Switzerland Architect Scheitlin Syfrig Architekten Client Siga Services AG Products used Porotherm T8 Year of completion 2014

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he building, once home to Ruswil’s orphans and the poor, is now used to accommodate guests of the Swiss company. The neo-classical building, constructed in 1840, was extended, reconstructed externally, and finished to a very high standard internally. The guest house gives the company a face: durable quality with an understated appearance. SIGA employees from around the world regularly attend training courses in Ruswil, and the company’s European customers also receive training there. In the past, course attendees had to be split up and stay in various guest houses, but now the new hotel can accommodate them all.

EXTERNAL INSULATION AND BRICK The strong, robust appearance of the building, with its thick stone walls, was perfectly aligned with the requirements of SIGA – the structural physics were not. Thick external insulation was ruled out because the company wanted to retain the building’s traditional appearance. Instead, hollow masonry bricks filled with perlite to offer builtin insulation were chosen for the renovation. The upper floors of the building were removed and rebuilt on top of the original ground floor, using the filled monolithic bricks.

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EXTENSION CREATES MORE SPACE In order to fit 75 guest rooms into the hotel, the building was extended on its narrow side, with a design that reflects the strong geometric form and the rhythm of the original building. The deep window recesses, the stone walls, the large gable roof, and the materials used, are all in keeping with the traditional appearance of the building and allow visitors to feel its history. On the ground floor, there are semi-public rooms such as the reception area, event room, and the building’s restored chapel; the five upper floors house the guest rooms and a staff room. The renovation and extension have considerably enhanced the building and it now meets all modern standards. >

© Photos: Scheitlin Syfrig Architekten

FACTS & FIGURES

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HANDMADE CLAY TILES FOR PRESTIGIOUS

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riginally constructed in 1911, the building has served the world-renowned university for over 100 years, becoming a beacon of local history.

However, in 2014, with weathering beginning to take its toll on the age-old structure, the iconic building became the object of a major restoration project.

STUDENT HOME WITH ACADEMIC HISTORY The Dokett Building is a site steeped in academic history, and is named after the first President of Queens’ College, Andrew Dokett. This magnificent building is a prominent element of the college’s architecture; it can even

© Photos: BB+C Architects Limited

When the 100 year-old roof of the Dokett Building – part of the historic Queens’ College, in Cambridge, UK – was in need of repair, handmade clay tiles were the only solution. The project required the roof to be stripped and recovered. Due to the prominent location of the building on the university campus, and it being of local historical interest, traditional handmade clay tiles were chosen.

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The traditional handmade clay tiles blend in perfectly within the historic setting of the college.

Built in 1911, Dokett Building has 3 staircases connecting 4 floors.

It provides accommodation for the college´s students.

ROOF RENOVATION be seen from the opposite side of the campus. It provides accommodation for the college’s students.

Given the historical importance of the site, at the heart of the University of Cambridge, clay roof tiles, with their unique heritage aesthetic, were the natural choice for replacing the roof.

RENOVATION AND MODERNISATION The roofing contractors were tasked with stripping and re-covering the entire 100 year-old roof. One of the main reasons the roof needed replacing was that it hadn’t been updated in decades. The accommodation needed

FACTS & FIGURES Project name Dokett Building, Queens’ College, Cambridge, UK Architect BB+C Architects Limited Products used Keymer Traditional Elizabethan and Antique roof tiles Year of completion 2015

to be drastically modernised, so new dormers were created to allow for ventilation and new bathrooms.

IMPROVING THERMAL EFFICIENCY The roofing solution needed have a similar aesthetic to an adjacent building, which had been renovated as part of an earlier restoration in 2005. By using an equal mix of clay roof tiles in traditional shades, the developers succeeded in creating a new roof that was an incredibly close match with the surrounding buildings. Furthermore, the superior heat retention qualities of natural clay mean that the thermal efficiency of the building was also improved. >

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