Sunlight and brickwork

This is another minimal modern brick project that I came across yesterday hidden in the streets of Montréal north.  I am very impressed with how minimal the architecture is, how it fits into the context because of the material (brick) and because it is the same size as adjacent houses. At first glance it appears a bit stark, however, upon closer investigation there is carefully integrated brick bondwork that is completely activated by sunlight.  I happened to pass by early in the morning when it was getting sun, but it is cast in shadow 90% of the day, which is very different (last image showing the context). If the building were on the other side of the street it would be much more dynamic with the brickwork casting moving shadows all day.  I am working towards achieving this in my own work, so it is very inspiring.  It is important to understand the location and movement of daylight to really activate this type of brickwork.

George Ranalli Architects - Community Centre, Saratoga Avenue, New York, 1999

Architect's Website:
www.georgeranalli.com

Photos by Paul Warchol from:
http://www.archnewsnow.com/features/Feature274.htm

Hanson EcoHouse, 2007

Photo source and more information here:
http://www.heidelbergcement.com/uk/en/hanson/sustainability/hanson_ecohouse.htm

I admit, I'm not a big fan of pre-fabricated walling systems, but I do find this project interesting.

SUMMARY
Developer: Hanson
Architects: TP Bennet Architects
House type: 3 bed detached
Construction: Pre-fabricated external masonry panels, pre-fabricated concrete aggregate partition walls, unique composite suspended ground floor construction, pre-stressed hollowcore floor units.
Code for sustainable Homes rating: 4
Heating system: Underfloor heating by GSHP, solar panels and gas boiler.
Other features:
• High thermal mass
• Passive ventilation through the design-featured ‘stack effect’
• Combined SUDS including geothermal heating and cooling and rainwater harvesting.
• Rapid build
• ‘Smart’ technology
• Cool bedrooms on ground floor, warmer living spaces on first floor







1.Hollowcore flooring
2.QuickBuild walling system
3.Partition walls
4.Concrete foundations
5.Insulated floor
6.Precast staircase
7.Permeable pavers

Caruso St.John, Brick House, London, 2001-2005

Architect's Website: www.carusostjohn.com

Every time I see this project, I remember why I'm learning to build buildings.

There is no facade/exterior on this project; the space was squeezed between two existing buildings on a shard of land, the entry is through one of those buildings.