With their distinctive stone-like textures, architecturally remarkable look, and inherent natural clay qualities, oversized large-format bricks are gaining momentum for a fresh take on traditional brickwork.
One Melbourne architect firm that is embracing the limestone look is Vincent Chrisp & Partners, which specified more than 13,000 Boral Bricks’ Elan Florentine Limestone bricks in large format modular size for the new Fawkner Police Station in Hadfield in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
As the regional headquarters for Victoria Police operations, the $12 million complex is an important civic building at a prominent intersection, which houses the merged operation of three former units.
Jim Chrisp of Vincent Chrisp & Partners explains: “Our primary objective was for the building to stand the test of time – in both materials and design.”
Also of prime importance was the incorporation of ESD features, including thermal mass, external sun control, clerestory glazing, rainwater collection, solar hot water panels and of course site orientation.
“In addition to the appealing noise and temperature control properties, Boral’s ‘Elan’ clay bricks were perfectly suited to the significant scale of the building, with the final result evoking a strong sense of civic pride.”