Book Reviews - what people are saying about this book

God is in the details. - Mies van der Rohe

Bricks! Bricks! Bricks!
The undersigned congratulates
the public of Auckland on the happy decline of the
vile practice of building Town Houses with wood.

Thomas Henderson, 1843, advertising his wares.

The colonial history of residential building in New Zealand is one of finding a nearby tree, cutting it down and cladding the walls with it. Many early settlers commented on the large amount of timber buildings, and even today British and European immigrants remark on the perceived 'flimsiness' of timber, and the sight of suburban 'do-it-yourselfers' painting their houses every ten years.
Brick was the material of choice, the use of which proved long-term commitment, solidity and a certain wealth.
Today, perversely, brick is not as popular with many designers because clients simply choose it as a low-maintenance veneer, swapping with monolithic finishes or timber when expedience dictates, rather than choosing brick for its inherent aesthetics. The 'brick-and-tile' connotations label it old-fashioned.
It need not be like this. A look through English brick catalogues and architectural magazines shows a huge range of available shapes and colours detailed precisely to achieve a contemporary style. The 'low-tech' solidity of brick can be combined with lightweight metal and glass to create rich contrasts of material and texture.
This book thoroughly explores the nature and end uses of bricks. The extensive detailing should prevent brick being applied as a two-dimensional 'wrapping' at the end of the design process, and improve the knowledge of the tradesperson. Whilst not expecting a religious experience a la Mies, this publication will engender greater respect for the material.

Paul Edmond
Architect

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