Brick is Back: Building New Canadian Living Spaces
Among this year’s sponsors of the OAA Conference is Kreitmaker, which has shared the following article with OAA members.
Kreitmaker and Nelissen Bricks have embarked on a journey to explore the boundless possibilities of architectural design in Canada. In 2020, kreitmaker introduced Nelissen Bricks—a renowned Belgian supplier—to Canada. The brick company distinguishes itself through continuous innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Specializing in hand-moulded bricks, Nelissen offers architects an unparalleled range of products, elevating every project with authenticity and character.
As Canadians grapple with housing challenges, the demand for laneway and garden home solutions is rising. With space becoming increasingly scarce, Canadians seek innovative solutions to maximize living areas. When space is at a premium, every design choice matters. Brick slips, also known as “veneers,” offer a convenient way to transform existing facades, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any home.
Nelissen provides a wide range of brick slips in various colours and textures, empowering architects to infuse depth and character into their designs. These slips, custom-cut from the original facing bricks, maintain the same quality, characteristics and aesthetic appearance as full bricks. In addition, brick slips are a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option than shipping full brick. Brick slips can be used for both new construction and renovations, allowing architects to incorporate the natural beauty of bricks into all types of projects.
At the heart of Nelissen’s offerings lies a diverse palette of colours and textures. For those seeking to harmonize with established surroundings, Nelissen offers a range of hues that effortlessly blend into existing neighbourhoods. These moulded bricks evoke a sense of timelessness, ensuring new constructions seamlessly integrate with the fabric of the community.
Conversely, Nelissen’s collection of vibrant colours and bespoke textures offers boundless creative possibilities for those embracing bold and contemporary designs.
When it comes to maximizing their spaces, Canadians are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their construction projects. Bricks offer numerous benefits to sustainable building practices, such as their lifecycle, which can last over 100 years, and their ability to be fully recyclable as foundation material after demolition. Nelissen utilizes 100% natural clay sourced from its quarry and works exclusively with green electricity, minimizing environmental impact from extraction to production.
With Kreitmaker and Nelissen leading the way, laneway and garden home living is poised to reach new heights of elegance and sophistication. As the two companies embark on this transformative journey, they invite Canadians to reimagine architectural possibilities for all living spaces.