Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
We are Michelmersh, We are Britain’s Brick Specialists
A-Z
Showing 1-36 of 48
Abingdon School
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Abingdon School, located in Oxfordshire, commissioned Hopkins Architects to design a new science building in 2008. The building was to replace the outdated facilities and provide modern teaching and research spaces for the school’s science departments. The resulting design is a striking and dynamic building with a distinctive form created by a series of angled, sloping roofs that follow the natural contours of the site.Hopkins Architects chose to clad the building in Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Downs blend. Its soft red tones ingratiate itself with the local vernacular while also being easy to maintain and ensuring long-term durability.The Abingdon School Science Building by Hopkins Architects has been a great success, providing modern and flexible teaching and research spaces that are highly valued by students and staff. The building’s innovative design and sustainable features have won numerous awards, including a RIBA Award and a BREEAM Excellent rating. The building seamlessly integrates into its historic surroundings, enhancing the school’s facilities and reducing its environmental impact.
Becontree Estate
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Archio has recently completed a unique villa project within the Becontree Estate, as part of a significant house-building initiative in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The design was developed through extensive research into the estate’s characteristics. The result is a “gentle density” development featuring 19 residences spread across two buildings, along with a community space.The wider Becontree Estate, known as the largest public housing scheme, globally and with a rich history in the social housing movement, served as a key inspiration for Archio. By delving into the estate’s archives, they discovered hand-drawn plans reflecting the Garden City principles employed in its design. These plans influenced Archio’s strategy of creating two “villas” on a landscaped corner.While the surrounding estate primarily consists of single-family homes, Archio sought inspiration from other London County Council developments, such as the Ossulston Estate in Camden, to devise a denser scheme. Their designs pay homage to the Neo-Georgian style of the Becontree Estate while adding playful interpretations of neighboring houses’ details.The flats are designed to maximize natural light with triple-aspect orientations, coupled with energy-efficient building materials and underfloor heating powered by air source heat pumps, ensuring high comfort levels for residents.Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi bricks were used extensively throughout the project and bring a dash of extra character to the site, with soft red and brown hues blending into the wider environment.
Belle Vue
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Belle Vue is a 5,700 square metre retirement community of 60 one and two-bedroom apartments in Hampstead, designed by Morris+Company. It’s surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens and manicured courts, with which it offers a communal environment for its residents.Inside the feeling of community is continued with a restaurant, cafe, library, spa, gym, lounges and activity rooms. All are thoughtfully considered to ensure the residents are catered for in all ways. Journeys throughout the project are open to communal areas as well for further social considerations.Due to Belle Vue’s surroundings, Floren.be’s Avorio brick was used to retain a similar, but a visually distinct homage to the brick structures in the multiple local conservation areas. The lightness and fluctuating tonality of the red Avorio allows the building to appear as light and airy externally as it is inside, due to its large windows, open plan layouts and community spaces.With a clientele whose average age is around 77, it’s insightful that Pegasus Life Pegasus Lifestory chose to hire from architectural practices who had no previous experience in the retirement sector. Modern sentiments are clearly visible throughout, but care and consideration are shown to its inhabitants where a calm environment is melded with the benefits of inner-city living.Belle Vue was recently shortlisted for the 2022 RIBA London awards.
Brabazon
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Stirling Prize-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were commissioned by YTL Developments to initiate the first phase of transforming the historic Filton Airfield and build new homes at Brabazon. The Hangar District is a sustainable residential quarter leading the transformation of this 380-acre site. It includes 303 homes: family houses, private apartments, and affordable homes are all set with private gardens and community spaces along accessible streets.The masterplan maximizes the site’s potential by accommodating people and transportation demands from the Arena while ensuring safety and convenience for residents and visitors. 15-minute neighborhoods shape the district’s identity with public spaces.The Hangar District uses a blend of Freshfield Lane’s Selected Lights, First Quality Multi and Selected Dark clay bricks, all of which sit superbly amongst the sites greenery and modern aesthetic. The dark brown tones are modern and eye-catching when partnered with the lighter tones of the Selected Lights.Ultimately, Brabazon will include over 6,000 homes for all generations, from rental apartments to first-time buyer flats, open-market houses, and retirement properties. Up to 2,000 student beds will be available, and 26.5% of homes will be affordable, totaling over 1,700 homes and apartments.
Chelwood
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.
Dujardin Mews
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Designed by architect Karakusevic Carson Architects with Maccreanor Lavington, Dujardin Mews is a multi-award-winning collection of 38 new homes and is the first social housing to be built in Enfield in 40 years.Built to replace nearby high-rise social housing towers, Dujardin Mews is a traditional street of attached houses but with a distinctly unique style. The homes achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes level 5 with reduced running costs thanks to their designs. Freshfield Lanes First Quality Multi bricks help the project blend into the area and allow a soft, traditional red brick glow to palette the area.Dujardin Mews has won a host of awards since 2018 including a Civic Trust Award, A RIBA National and London Award, A Brick Award and more.
Exeter Police Station
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Developed by Willmott Dixon and designed by Corstorphine & Wright as part of Devon & Cornwall’s Police and Crime transformation plan, this state-of-the-art police centre and operational hub is the base for up to 450 officers across the area. The project was developed with the intent to improve custody areas for detainees and provide a comfortable, modern working facility for its staff. During the development of the project, suggestions were taken from custody sergeants to help create a better space for staff and detainees.To provide the facilities necessary for 21st-century policing, attention was paid to integrating assets such as a virtual court system, and technology to monitor the health of vulnerable detainees and allow for crisp, modern meeting spaces that cater for a multitude of police functions.Local suppliers were engaged with the project and through training schemes, the project has been able to offer valuable experience to apprentices. Utilising 314sqm of Solar panels also means this build generates a substantial amount of green energy.Blockleys Synthesis S14 was used to create a strong, dark belt around the building which then blends smoothly into vertical strips of glass and contrasting white facades.
Eylenbosch Brewery
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Eylenbosch Brewery, despite being long abandoned, has remained firmly entrenched in the collective memory of Dilbeken’s residents. Positioned along the Ninoofsesteenweg, the brewery occupies a compelling location at the convergence of diverse typologies, encompassing a residential area, a formerly converted industrial site, and open land. A progressive regenerative scheme, masterminded by the esteemed OSK-AR architects, constitutes a comprehensive programme comprising 54 upscale flats, 3,000 m² of sophisticated commercial spaces and services, a quaint brewery, and an elaborate two-tiered subterranean parking facility.Given the site’s status as a heritage-listed property, the reconstruction project underwent meticulous consultations with multiple heritage services. Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the construction team made a resolute choice to prioritise the preservation of the existing edifices, paying heed to their spatial characteristics and intrinsic heritage value. The decision was taken to extensively reuse the salvaged facing bricks, skilfully integrating them into the site while complementing them with long-format Floren Avorio bricks for an enhanced architectural outcome.
Fish Island Village
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Fish Island Village by Haworth Tompkins is a residential development located in the heart of Hackney Wick, London. The development was designed with the intention of preserving the area’s industrial heritage while incorporating modern and sustainable living spaces. The brick-fronted buildings, which are inspired by the local warehouses and factories, give the development a unique character and sense of history.To maintain the authenticity of the area, Fish Island Village made use of clay bricks in the construction of its buildings. The main type of clay brick used was the classic red-brown London Stock Brick. However, in addition to the London Stock Bricks, Fish Island Village also utilized other types of clay bricks, such as Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellows, to add texture and depth to the buildings. These different types of clay bricks were carefully selected to complement each other and enhance the overall look and feel of the development.Fish Island Village won the Urban Regeneration category in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.
Geraint Thomas House
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Geraint Thomas House in Crawley is a 9-storey new build development of 91 modern homes, designed to impeccably high standards by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt and Claylens Mills with the additional aspiration of setting a future benchmark for other developments in the area.The apartments have been designed to meet the needs of modern families, with spacious living areas and plenty of storage space. Two-thirds of the apartments are available through shared ownership schemes, making them more affordable for local residents.One of the key features of the development is its incredibly detailed brickwork. The brick façades provide a striking contrast to the glass and steel of the surrounding buildings, and playful patterns create a distinct and detailed façade that stands further sets it apart from previously built local projects. Delicate shades of bronze are prevalent amongst the building’s rain-screen cladding and balustrades.A bespoke blend of Blockleys Sterling Grey and Black Wirecut bricks adds a premium sheen to a project that already oozes impressive aesthetics and cuts a unique shape into Crawley’s existing architecture. Geraint Thomas House was recently shortlisted in the Medium Housing Development at the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.
Globe Point
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Globe Point, a six-storey office building in Leeds, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, exemplifies sustainable architecture. It features beautiful brickwork, energy-efficient design, and a community focus, merging aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility.Sustainability was central to Globe Point’s design, achieving an EPC A rating and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Features include water-efficient fittings, low-energy lighting, high-efficiency boilers, carbon dioxide sensors, and a building management system that monitors energy usage. The site uses no fossil fuels, resulting in 27% lower energy consumption compared to average buildings. Responsibly sourced materials were used throughout.Globe Point makes exemplary use of its brickwork. The building’s facade is constructed with Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi bricks, which were chosen for their warm, earthy feel and timelessly authentic stock sandfaced texture, as well as their sustainability. The bricks were also chosen for their thermal properties, which further help to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce energy consumption.Globe Point also serves the local community with a ground-floor café and community space, encouraging social interaction. Its location supports sustainable transportation, providing easy access to public transit and bike storage.
Green Hart Park
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Green Hart Park from Croudace is a countryside housing development located in picturesque Hampshire. The development features an array of beautifully designed and spacious homes, ranging from one to five bedrooms, each with its unique style and character. The properties are nestled amidst the lush greenery and serene surroundings of the park, providing residents with a peaceful and tranquil living experience.The development also features a range of amenities, including a community centre, playgrounds, and landscaped gardens, creating a warm and inviting neighbourhood for residents. With excellent transport links to nearby towns and cities, including Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth, Green Hart Park is a perfect choice for those looking for a rural lifestyle, without compromising on convenience. Green Hart Park offers an exceptional blend of modern living and natural beauty.Freshfield Lane’s consistently popular First Quality Multi clay bricks are seen throughout the project, lending an aged, authentic feel to a site brimming with modern design philosophies.
Hale Wharf
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The first phase of Allies and Morrison‘s “Hale Wharf” development consists of 249 new homes across two buildings, and a pedestrian bridge that sits on a slender island overlooking the River Lee at Tottenham Hale. The venture also includes external spaces for communities to enjoy and easy access to public transport and nearby nature spot. Commercial areas are also included on the ground floor to further improve the area.Freshfield Lane First Quality and Selected Darks are used to striking effect as a homage to the characteristics of London’s historic canals. The hues embodied within the bricks allow for the structure to complement the modernisation of the area while also complimenting the waterfront green areas and the development of nearby nature parks.Hale Wharf represents an exciting opportunity for an area of London that needed a number of new properties to fulfil local needs, as such, a number of units in the development have been built to be affordable. Further developments are planned along the island with Phase 2 starting construction in 2022.
Harbour House
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
On a prominent location next to the coastal path, Harbour House by McLean Quinlan respects its setting in West Sussex’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.By carefully using flint, brick and timber to divide the separate wings of the house, McLean Quinlan has created an interesting space full of character and charm with each material settling in naturally amongst surrounding houses and a waterfront setting.Harbour House uses Floren Cambria bricks across the facades both internally and externally, but also on the floor as pavers where deep reds blend beautifully with warm timber and cool, grey flint creating a visual mosaic that establishes this project’s unforgettable and genuinely unique charm.Harbour House has won multiple awards, including RIBA South East Awards 2019, Project Architect of the Year, RIBA South East Awards 2019 Winner West Sussex and BD Architect of the Year Awards, 2019 Finalist.
Hawley Wharf
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Hawley Wharf Masterplan has transformed a neglected part of Camden Down into a thriving, vibrant destination that has enhanced the identity of the area while paying tribute to the classic intents of London’s unmistakable architectural heritage.Eight new buildings sit between existing railway viaducts and allowing for open public space and connecting the project to the wider area through re-established pedestrian pathways. A variety of homes, educational facilities, workplaces and more help solidify the area’s growth without straining its resources. Two refurbished Grade II listed buildings are also integrated into the development.Our Freshfield Lane First Quality Multi & Selected Dark bricks look fantastic on the vast Hawley Wharf development cleverly designed by AHMM Architects Hawley Wharf has been announced as the Winner of Winners at the 2021 Housing Design Awards.
Heathy Wood – Phases 3 & 4
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Heathy Wood lies on the Surrey and West Sussex border, offering 134 two to four-bedroom houses, 4 two-bedroom flats, and an additional 16 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom flats, along with 18 two and 15 three-bedroom houses. With 35% of the units designated as affordable housing, it prioritises affordability.Sustainability is key, with energy-efficient homes designed to minimise environmental impact. The development comprises several phases, each harmoniously integrated into the landscape. Diverse facades enhance curb appeal with Phase 4 using a blend of Michelmersh’s Lindfield Yellow and Danehill Yellow clay bricks, helping structures radiate warmth and charm. Each tone was carefully chosen to complement the broader architectural palette, seamlessly blending Heathy Wood into its verdant, natural surroundings.Further to that, Phase 3 also uses Danehill Yellow, but is further complimented with the autumnal tones of Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Red Multi ATR and Hampshire Stock Downs Blend, creating a beautiful combination of clay brick across the entire site.Utilising Building Information Modelling (BIM) for precision in construction, Heathy Wood features internal roads, public spaces, and landscaped areas, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Hobhouse Court: Realising Ambitious Brick Façades
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Michelmersh’s Charnwood factory speciality is producing handmade bricks in bespoke blends with matching special shapes, all made by expert craftsmen. As the project developed and evolved it concluded with 20 bays, with varying angles on plain and face folds requiring 1400 different mould types to form the wide array of bespoke special bricks, all of which were to be intricately made from plan. Brick distributor EHSmith felt that Charnwood was the only manufacturer capable of achieving excellent results due to its production team’s knowledge, understanding, experience, dedication and flexibility.
Houlton School
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
In Rugby, 57 aerial masts and a radio station are the genesis for the beginning of a new town, centred around the recently finished Houlton School. The carefully considered design of the School by Van Heyningen & Haward (VHH), is the successful retrofit of a collection of historic, grade 2 listed radio station buildings. Its cost-effective evolution into a thriving, sustainable secondary school comes through the careful integration of the previous buildings and by choosing to use products that fitted soundly within the pre-existing vernacular.Adapting the original framework to today’s standards was a job that took years to come to fruition, careful application of steel frame and the restoration of the original brickwork has meant that the two main listed structures, Transmission Hall and Power Hall will become a place of learning for generations of students. Handmade clay bricks provided by Michelmersh were vital to the restoration of the project, where they were used to ensure the structures could be repaired and retained rather than rebuilt from the ground up.Throughout the project, various elements of the building's industrial past have been retained, with arched windows and high ceilings to ensure that the history of this nearly century-old building is revered, but not overpowering compared to its newly instated modern sensibilities.Houlton School recently won the Refurbishment Category at the BDA Brick Awards.
House-within-a-House // A Brief Case Study
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Alma-nac's "House-within-a-house" is a fantastic example of a building retrofitted to adapt to new challenges. Sitting in a row of typical 1950's houses, the project gave an existing home a contemporary facelift while complimenting the surrounding buildings traditional London brick.12,670 Michelmersh bricks were used in the project to provide an economical and thermally efficient shell to the original building, which is nestled inside the outer structure. Elements of the project that may have ended up in landfill were reused where possible and the combination of reused concrete and the brick skin means an increase of thermal efficiency that could save 4 tonnes of Carbon a year.House-within-a-House recently won the "Individual Housing Development" in the 2021 Brick Awards, judges praised it's complementary nature to the area without "trying to mimic the naturally aged material".
Ibstock Place School
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Ibstock Place School opened its newly built refectory in 2021. Designed by Maccreanor Lavington the competition-winning design is a dedicated space for the most communal part of the school. With a high ceiling and intricate woodwork, the open space is functional but uplifting.The high-level roof lanterns form a chimney to pull out hot air during the summer as well as fill the space with soft natural light, which is perfectly accented by acoustic dampening panels of oak.Handmade Bricks from Freshfield Lane were used in the construction of the cloister and work perfectly with the school’s previous uses of brick. Additionally, the choice of bricks helps set the building within its tranquil garden setting. The handmade Freshfield Lane brick helps the building age gracefully into the landscape while retaining a notable elegance. This sophisticated taste is mirrored inside by soft copper notes and long, hanging light fittings.
Kingston University - The Town House
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Kingston University was created as a way to transform the universities presence within the community and to foster a collaborative spirit between different disciplines with the construction of a modern library and performance space. The building is designed to feel open and calming with the idea of welcoming the community into the area with large, clear spaces allowing for appreciation of the collaborative spirit from the streets that overlook the project.Michelmersh’s Freshfield Lane First Quality Multi Bricks are used in colonnades that beautifully showcase the quality of the product and allow for space to be enforced amongst the 6 stories of the building. The value of social cohesion and the spirit of learning were captured through careful and dynamic design by Grafton architects, who are responsible for creating a space that marries together home, belonging and quiet contemplation.Kinston Universities “Town House” was recently awarded the RIBA Stirling award.
Knolehurst House
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Knolehurst House is a modern example of residential architecture by Charlton Brown Architects. The house is located on Bishop’s Avenue in London and sits on a sloping site surrounded by trees. The architects have designed the house to blend seamlessly into the landscape, using a combination of natural materials and a simple, clean aesthetic.The house is arranged over three floors, with the main living spaces on the top floor to take advantage of the views. A requirement of the owners was for the interior of the house to be spacious and light-filled, with large windows and an open-plan layout.The architects paid great attention to detail, with bespoke joinery and carefully selected finishes throughout the house. Freshfield Lanes First Quality Multi’s are used on the project and are visible throughout the renovation.
Middle Yard, Dudden Hill Lane
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Built on the site of Warranty House, a now demolished office building, Middle Yard is a residential development located on Dudden Hill Lane in London. The regenerative development consists of 136 new homes set back from the road, creating a much sought-after sense of privacy and space. In addition to the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, there is also a communal garden, pool and onsite gym for Middle Yard’s residents to enjoy.Designed by Union Developments and Lynas Smith Architects, the development was completed in 2022 and has been extremely popular amongst buyers, with multiple apartments being reserved before completion. The brick-centric homes align with the bricks’ proven record of high durability and low maintenance, and the location is extremely convenient for commuting into central London with multiple transport links extremely close by. The development is also close to a number of amenities, including schools, shops and parks.Middle Yard has provided much-needed new homes in northwest London. The timeless brick construction and eye-catching modern design have helped to regenerate an area of the city. Freshfield Lane’s eye-catching Lindfield Yellow bricks provide unmistakable character to the project and help settle it into the urban environment.
Mill Pond Road
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Mill Pond Road is a residential development located in Dartford, Kent, designed by Russ Drage Architects. The development comprises 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments and townhouses, all built around a beautiful waterfront. The design of the development is contemporary, with a focus on creating a community feel.Mill Pond Road has been built to a high specification, with external features such as balconies and terraces. Mill Pond Road is located in a convenient location, with easy access to the Dartford town centre, train station, and the M25 motorway. The development is also situated close to a range of local services, including shops, restaurants, and schools.The choice of brick was influenced by the location’s industrial history with a blend of Floren’s Castor and Albion bricks. The summery hues of Mill Pond Road complement the deep blues, greens and buildings that surround the blocks.
Monier Road
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Monier Road is a residential project designed by Pitman Tozer Architects in East London’s Fish Island neighbourhood. The development comprises of 16 houses and 7 apartments, constructed in two rows with a shared courtyard between them. The buildings are arranged in a stepped configuration, with the taller apartments on the east side and the lower houses on the west side, providing views across the site towards the River Lea.Monier Road uses an eyecatching combinatrion of Floren.be’s Vecchio and Vega Rustic clay bricks. The soft brown and pinks of the bricks allow Monier Road to maintain a distinct visual identity from other Fish Island regeneration projects.The Monier Road development has received critical acclaim for its innovative design and high-quality construction. It was shortlisted in the Housing Design Awards in 2017 and 2019 and featured in numerous architectural publications. The project demonstrates Pitman Tozer Architects’ commitment to creating sustainable and socially inclusive communities through thoughtful and well-designed residential developments.
Pears Building, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Pears Building by Hopkins Architects is a world-class immunology research and treatment centre built for University College London. With only 5 similar specialist immunology centres in the world (and the only one outside of the US), the Pears Building offers world-class expertise to patients. The Pears Building provides offices, multiple research wings to house over 200 researchers and a 35-bed patient hospital for outpatients or visiting academics.At the centre of the building is a large atrium with joins the wider building and its office space to the public-facing café and entrance area. Vast, open windows flood interiors with huge amounts of natural light creating a soothing, and uncluttered feeling. Materials selected for the building were done for their sustainable credentials, ease of maintenance, durability, and cost.The Pears Building was designed to avoid becoming a “monolithic” structure and sits well within the local area. During its construction efforts were made to retain as many existing trees on the site as possible to ensure the village-esque feeling of Hampstead is uninterrupted. As expected with forward-thinking institutions, the architects endeavoured to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating, which it easily achieved with its holistic approach to sustainability.The Pears building uses Freshfield Lanes First Quality Multi in its construction and has been commended for numerous awards and won the Public Buildings award at the Construction News Awards.
Poundbury
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Poundbury is an urban extension to the town of Dorchester. Developed over a period of nearly 30 years, and designed to a masterplan by Leon Krier, Poundbury has been an extraordinarily influential demonstration of the Prince of Wales’s vision for new mixed-use development. The development started in 1993 and is expected to complete in 2025.The development is notable for its use of traditional materials such as clay brick, distinctive architecture, and its mix of residential and commercial uses. It also includes a number of affordable housing developments, which is one of the key aims of the project; 35% of homes being built in Poundbury are affordable housing for rent, shared ownership or discounted sales.Since 2009 much of the development has been the responsibility of Ben Pentreath Ltd who has created a variety of architectural styles throughout the development which is based on what local housebuilders are able to do best. A high level of detail is notable throughout and will continue into future phases of the development, including the Urban Quarter, which will be more representative of London’s built aesthetic.Freshfield Lane’s ever-popular Lindfield Yellow, First Quality Multi’s and Selected Darks are in frequent use throughout Poundbury, where their combined characteristics help to reaffirm the grandeur of the project, while also providing a comforting, familiar sense of style. The lighter tones of the bricks help to add to the already noticeable sense of space created by the architects and help to settle the extremities of the expansion into the picturesque, surrounding Dorset scenery.Special thanks to Taylor Maxwell
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Envisioned as the first purpose-built music college in the UK since 1987, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music hosts 5 performance venues that have been created to service an increasingly digital environment.Its public concert hall contains seating for 500 and a full orchestra and is flanked by an organ studio, the Eastside Jazz Club, a 150-seat recital hall and “The Lab” – an experimental music space. It is additionally serviced by 70 practice rooms, a cafe, and a large three-level entrance foyer.Constructed in Birmingham’s Education sector, the project acts as a cultural hub by offering visual and performing arts to the city as well as its students. Special attention was given to creating a building that made access feel as easy as possible.Using our Floren Polaris bricks, and beautifully designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the exterior of the project has been described as an ‘Urban Castle’, with the acoustic benefits of brick being employed to reduce external noise as well as enable the Conservatoire to carry itself visually amongst the surrounding campus.The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has won the RIBA West Midlands Project of the Year, RICS West Midlands Project of the Year and the RICS West Midlands Design for Innovation Award.
Simon Square
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Simon Square is a notable housing development situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic southside, transforming a former builders’ yard with a harmonious blend of contemporary and traditional aesthetics. This project exemplifies sustainable architecture and modern sensibilities while honouring the character of its surroundings. The development consists of six thoughtfully designed flats, heated through an innovative combination of timber and expansive, light-filled windows, creating a warm and inviting living space.A standout feature of Simon Square is its exterior design, which subtly distinguishes itself in the area. The building employs Blockleys Wrekin Buff bricks, known for their quality and rustic appeal. To add a unique touch, these bricks are coated with a white lime “slaister.” This traditional rendering technique smooths the brickwork’s surface, providing a polished finish while still allowing the texture and shape of the bricks to subtly emerge through the lime wash. This blend of modern and traditional materials creates a harmonious contrast, enhancing the development’s visual appeal and establishing a respectful dialogue with the historic architectural landscape of the southside.Beyond its architectural finesse, Simon Square also integrates sustainable building practices, contributing to its environmental credentials. The thoughtful use of natural materials not only enhances the aesthetic but also promotes energy efficiency and sustainability, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly living.
St. Luke’s Church Hall
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Sitting on the grounds of St. Luke’s Church, Blackburn, St Luke’s Church Hall is an exemplary regeneration of the site by Patrick Wilson architects. The church was founded in 1875 and received a practical extension in the 1970s to increase its offerings to the community. Patrick Wilson Architects’ extension was completed in 2023 to an incredibly favourable reception.The most striking element of the design is the church hall’s facade. Taking inspiration from existing shapes in the Church windows and roofline, Michelmersh’s Hadley Red Brindle Wirecut was used in striking, diagonal protrusions. Red brick was selected to harmonise with the surrounding residential houses and contrast with the church itself.St. Luke’s Church Hall has recently been shortlisted in the Public Category at the 2023 BDA Brick Awards.
Stratosphere
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Stratosphere building in London, designed by Allies and Morrison, is a sleek and contemporary addition to the capital’s skyline. Its location in the Stratford area of London makes it a part of the vibrant cultural and business hub of East London.The building’s striking design is characterized by its distinctive saw-tooth facade, which is made up of a series of alternating angled and flat planes. The facade was inspired by the industrial heritage of the surrounding area, which was once home to factories and warehouses. The saw-tooth design also serves a practical purpose, allowing for maximum natural light to enter the building while minimizing solar gain and glare. The building’s interior spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for a range of uses from office spaces to residential apartments.The Stratosphere building uses Floren.be’s Sirius clay bricks. The deep browns help set it apart from its contemporary counterpart and also speak to the industrial heritage of the area.
Sugar House Island
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Sugar House Island‘s Cooperage Yard is part of a transformative project just south of Olympic Park intending to create a distinctive urban environment that has been carefully designed to create a balance between work, life and leisure. Designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects it offers a stunning riverside view to its users.Set next to the Islands creative quarter, Cooperage Yard covers 8000ft2 over of the area. Its immediately recognisable sawtooth-shaped roof overlooks the river and courtyard. Natural light floods both floors of the building and a south-facing roof terrace offers further space for its inhabitants.Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellow bricks are immediately recognisable and offer a positive contrast to the tones of other nearby brick buildings. The tones are further complimented by shafts of natural light that penetrate the pathways between buildings. When combined, the colour language and open space create a sense of optimism between the structures.
Sugar House Island // A Brief Case Study
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
Sugar House Island's Cooperage Yard is part of a transformative project just south of Olympic Park intending to create a distinctive urban environment that has been carefully designed to create a balance between work, life and leisure.Set next to the Islands creative quarter, Cooperage Yard covers 8000ft2 over of the area. Its immediately recognisable sawtooth-shaped roof overlooks the river and courtyard. Natural light floods both floors of the building and a south-facing roof terrace offers further space for its inhabitants.Freshfield Lane's Danehill Yellow bricks are immediately recognisable and offer a positive contrast to the tones of other nearby brick buildings. The tones are further complimented by shafts of natural light that penetrate the pathways between buildings. When combined, the colour language and open space create a sense of optimism between the structures.
The Confetti Building // A brief case study
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Confetti Building was designed by Allan Joyce Architects and completed in 2017. Built to provide a new area for students and include a cafe, LRC, motion capture suite, roof terrace and classrooms, it is intended to mature the institute with enough space for students after a period of rapid growth.The building embraces its industrial heritage with exposed ductwork, structure and brickwork but has been designed to ensure modern experiences are intertwined with the original spaces.A striking external facade is comprised of Blockleys Smooth black with a special BD1.3 shaped brick used for detailing. The Brickwork naturally compliments nearby red brick buildings and provides a balance to the wood and glass used around the building in other areas.
The Department Store Studios
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Department Store Studios by Squire & Partners is a four-storey contemporary workspace in Brixton, extending the refurbishment of The Department Store. It offers 13,000 sq ft of workspace and 4,500 sq ft of retail space, with flexible workspaces, serviced social and meeting areas, a neighborhood bar, restaurant, and screening room.The Department Store Studios features projected snapped header brick details using a bespoke blend of handmade Hampshire Red, Light Victorian Red and Farnham Red bricks. These bricks have been uniquely arranged to produce a textured finish that contrasts white mortar and smooth stone lintels. Taking inspiration from the robust Edwardian aesthetic of The Department Store, the new development features patterned brickwork and contemporary faceted bay windows. Black Smooth bullnose engineering bricks line the ground floor to fit within the neighbouring buildings. A setback fourth floor creates generous external terraces, and is planted with a green roof to enhance biodiversity. faceted bay windows, and a green roof for enhanced biodiversity.Inside, the building emphasizes sustainability with exposed cross-laminated timber, brick finishes, and exposed services. A 120 sqm green roof and 27 solar panels support renewable energy use. The Studios also promotes local businesses through a Residency scheme for young entrepreneurs and a curated event program for skill sharing and creativity.
The Grid
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
The Grid is a four-storey project in Leeds, it consists of 11 apartments housing 38 beds with a cycle store, gym and laundry facilities. Its modern approach to design fits the aesthetic choices of university students while landscaped grounds offer an area of calm with limited parking for each flat.The Grid makes perfect use of Carlton’s Wolds Minster Blend and its internal contemporary leanings. The dark orange, red, purple and brown bricks create a harmonious visual synergy with the ageing brickwork in the surrounding area.
Showing 1-36 of 48