Generally made from kiln-fired clay, it is estimated that bricks have been used since 7000 BC, as examples were discovered in the ancient city of Jericho. Since then, bricks have been omnipresent in the history of architecture, combining constructive ease, aesthetics and comfort. Nowadays, with the growing concerns around the environment and the larger impact of materials used and decisions taken on a project, there are ways to modernize an ancient material such as brick through a few updates to its manufacturing process, making it even more eco-conscious. Brick can already be considered a sustainable material because of its durability and recyclability, but there are ways to further improve it. The new project for the headquarters of the food manufacturer Danish Crown, under construction and developed by CEBRA office, is a good example of how to apply this product in a more sustainable way.
Listing the benefits of bricks is not difficult. It is a robust, solid and stable material. After the end of their useful life, the parts can easily be reused or recycled, as long as they are carefully disassembled. With good thermal inertia, brick walls absorb excess heat and avoid large temperature differences, and do not emit unwanted odors or substances. In addition, its aesthetic is extremely pleasant, with shade variations and a cozy texture, being a material that “ages” well, but that can be easily renewed.
