Symphony in brick
Architect Garry Martin of Garry Martin and Associates has designed a stunning new school for music, drama and communications at Scotch College in Melbourne, selecting a single blend of specially made clay bricks for the project because he preferred to articulate the brickwork rather than use multiple colours or applied mouldings or finishes says the Clay Brick and Paver Association.
“Because they face north and west, the facades are exposed to a lot of sunlight,” says Martin. “So we articulated the brickwork into various spandrel panels, and used tapestry brickwork and recessed coursing. Pattern then reads as texture which is a relief for the eye. It also humanises the building scale.”
The Scotch College building also showcases the delicate details that can now be created using bricks- notably the Academy which has graceful arches and arcades skilfully crafted in brick. “The Scotch campus features a family of arches,” says Martin. “We’ve used three centered arches of various scales to deal with the monumental scale of the building. The grand arches are always related to smaller arches which gives the human scale to the building.”
Bands and panels of brick-height bricks add texture and surface interest above the three centered arches. Stunning features such as the octagonal tower and the foyer of the public entry leading up to the domed lantern and striking examples of the ingenuity of modern brick design.
Source: Building Products News.
26-Nov-2003