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  • PROJECT

    7-Storey Commercial Fashion Outlet

  • PRODUCT

    Terra / Long bricks (MCPV353)

  • ARCHITECT

    Casper Mueller Kneer

  • COMPLETION DATE

    2017

  • ADDRESS

    Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

COMMERCIAL FASHION BUILDING, SOUTH KOREA

Seoul in South Korea is known for its contemporary architecture. It’s no secret that any new build in a high-end area like this is going to attract a huge amount of recognition and interest, particularly if there is something particularly eye-catching about it like the structural design. This building in question is a perfect example of that. Modular Clay Products were instrumental in this project reaching the extent it did, and by supplying a bespoke long format brick that was unique in both colour and design, they helped the architect – Casper Mueller Kneer – bring their vision to life.

Background

Located in the Cheongdam-dong district of Seoul in South Korea, a new 7-storey Flagship Building development for a leading fashion outlet was commissioned in 2015. In partnership with the architects, Casper Mueller Kneer as well as an artisan Italian company, Modular Clay Products helped to supply a long format brick solution that would be complemented by uniquely designed precast panels. Quality assurance procedures were carried out to ensure that a unique, patterned design was consistent throughout the entire building façade. Casting these tiles ahead of time ensured that installation times would be significantly cut.

One obstacle to overcome was to deliver a precast and long format brick design that would not only provide the needed structural integrity but also not hinder the appearance that the client wanted. Both the client and architect needed to have a solution installed alongside the brick design to provide extra structural support for the ‘gaps’ in the brickwork design. Essentially, the long format brick panels needed to be as strong as a solid wall, despite missing a number of bricks.

Project Images

Modern geometric buildings with a pattern of square windows against a clear sky.
long bricks exterior
Close-up view of a multi-layered gray concrete wall with a blurred brick building
A pallet stacked with ceramic tiles secured in a metal frame inside a warehouse.
Modern building with perforated facade on an urban street corner, featuring contrasting textures
Modern building interior with slanted ceiling, large windows, and black partition pillars
Exterior view of a modern building with a unique perforated facade, illuminated at dusk
A worker partially visible through a large, intricate lattice of white bricks stacked in a warehouse
Modern celine store facade featuring a large, perforated sign on a building
Modern building with perforated facade featuring large windows and the word
Exterior of a celine store with large windows, displaying fashion items
Exterior view of the celine flagship store, a modern urban building with a patterned facade.

Challenge

One obstacle to overcome was to deliver a precast and long format brick design that would not only provide the needed structural integrity but also not hinder the appearance that the client wanted. Both the client and architect needed to have a solution installed alongside the brick design to provide extra structural support for the ‘gaps’ in the brickwork design. Essentially, the long format brick panels needed to be as strong as a solid wall, despite missing a number of bricks.

Solution

For the Cheongdam-dong façade, Modular Clay Products worked in tandem with other suppliers to manufacture bespoke units of Corso terracotta brick for use within precast panels. These Corso long format bricks have slightly different dimensions (50cm x 4cm x 10cm) which have proven a high-quality solution for modern architectural rendering. The colour scheme and brick dimensions gave credence to the unique building design, creating modulation and light effects. Different lengths of these bespoke bricks were laid using a complex bond.

The brick itself is a light-coloured customised long format brick, offering different transparencies across the building.

Benefits

Modular Clay Products had utilised their experience and familiarity with developing bespoke long format bricks to create one that would save time and prove cost-effective for the client. The panels, being manufactured off-site, ensured the project would be completed efficiently and would achieve the architect’s vision of a sophisticated exterior façade.