Brick is one of the oldest and most versatile materials in construction. Spreading across Europe and Asia around 1200 BC, it replaced materials such as wood and stone in scarce regions. Roman bricks, notable for their long shape, were widely used in the construction of cities and are still used today. 

Thai Residence case study 

Located in a coastal area in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, the Thai Residence exemplifies the multiple possibilities that brick offers in contemporary architecture. Designed by Coletivo de Arquitetos, this residence exemplifies the aesthetics of the material, and its functionality and adaptability to local conditions. 

One of the most striking features of the project is its layout in two distinct blocks. The main pavilion houses most of the house’s program, while a second connected block houses the kitchen area, services and garage. 

At the end of the facade, the brick was employed for a distinctive visual appeal.

Sun and wind 

The project sought to address the local challenges of excessive sunlight and wind, following the guidelines of the seminal “Roteiro para construir no Nordeste” (Roadmap for building in the Northeast), a study carried out at the Federal University of Pernambuco in 1976 by Armando de Holanda. 

Passive design strategies such as eaves, balconies, brises-soleil, and the use of detachments between volumes, were adopted to ensure climatic comfort inside the residence. The east-west orientation of the main block protects the house from direct sunlight, while strategically positioned openings promote cross-ventilation and natural lighting. 

Versatility 

Brick played a central role in the project, providing not only structural strength, but also aesthetic beauty and thermal comfort. Its use in different forms and textures, such as masonry walls, ceramic roofs and hollow elements, demonstrates the versatility of this ancient material. Gustavo Fontes, one of the firm’s partners, shares how the use of the same element could create different emotions throughout the project. 

The four-sided water tank is a more rigid structure, achieved with a more relaxed fixation than the walls.

Why brick? 

Fontes explains that the material was used in a variety of ways, from walls to shading elements and wind passages, contributing to natural and efficient ventilation. The decision was also based on practical aspects such as ease of maintenance and the longevity of the material. 

A high-quality, compact brick from Minas Gerais was chosen, which, although it had a slightly higher initial cost, proved to be economically advantageous over the long term. There is no need for plastering or painting, which reduces additional costs and simplifies maintenance over the years. 

In short, the choice of brick was a combination of aesthetic, functional and economic considerations that aligned perfectly with the client’s vision and needs. 

Aesthetics and thermal comfort 

Considerations regarding the ties were fundamental, depending on the complexity of the structure and the layout of the wall panels. Some columns were reinforced with iron points and grouting to guarantee the overall stability and safety.

Aesthetically, the overall simplicity of the home is complemented by the combination of the predominantly white walls and the ceramic of the bricks and tiles, creating an interesting look. 

In addition, the brick plays an important role in the thermal comfort of the residence, especially during the summer. The woven design allows it to efficiently block out the afternoon sun, creating shade and keeping the area cool and pleasant for residents and visitors. 

Although the material does not have exceptional thermal capacity due to its thickness, the external shading strategy protects the walls from excessive thermal load, keeping the interior comfortable. 

Form and function 

Taking four different forms, the use of brick in the residence is quite diverse. It reflects a concern not only with aesthetics, but also with functionality and adaptability to the specific needs of each area. Fontes describes how the woven elements with ventilation transitions were adopted. Similar to a Brazilian cobogó, it not only beautifies, but also favours air circulation, providing an airier and more comfortable environment. 

Traditional bracing was used for the fences, following a conventional layout that provides structural stability and aesthetic uniformity. At the ends of the facades, the design explored a third dimension, creating volumes that add a distinctive visual appeal – even though their main function is aesthetic – without a specific functional purpose. In addition, in the pool a fourth brick modulation created a deck that stands out visually and provides a unique and inviting experience around the pool. 

Workmanship 

In the pool area, a fourth brick modulation created a deck. A unique water-repellent treatment was applied to preserve durability and appearance.

According to Fontes, the workforce wasn’t as familiar with the specific type of brick, which was less porous and more resistant than the one commonly used in the region. This required more time and care when doing the work. Before the project began, several conversations were held with the team responsible for execution, to make sure they were prepared for the challenge. 

A template was developed to ensure consistency in the thickness of the mass between the pieces, setting a standard of 2,5cm. This measurement was determined after research and tests to ensure proper adhesion of the bricks. 

Rather than using iron plumb locks, a rigid fixing to the beam with structural adhesive and AC3 mortar was used, which offered superior adhesion. This decision was made after extensive research and guaranteed a solid and stable structure, without compromising the aesthetics of the project. 

Brick finds new expression with this case study from Brazil, where four different forms deliver aesthetics, function and thermal comfort.  

Project details: 

Project name: Thai Residence. 

Location: Aracajú, Brazil. 

Area: 300m². 

Architect: Coletivo de Arquitetos. 

Photographer: Joana França. 

 

Full thanks and acknowledgement go to www.archdaily.com for the information in this article.