Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026

Masonry

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about masonry

Project • By 57STUDIOPrivate Houses

PH Houses

This set of two houses originated from the subdivision of a large lot into three smaller ones, of which only two houses were built in the back. The houses are located in the area that used to be the garden of the old house; therefore, they have to interact with the existing trees. Roland Halbe Roland Halbe Roland Halbe Both houses have an L-shaped layout that contains a courtyard and closes off from the street. The programs vary slightly between the houses, resulting in differences such as one house having a second floor with more rooms than the other. Roland Halbe Roland Halbe Reinforced masonry (structural brick) was chosen as the primary material, with concrete used only in the plinths (washed) and the crowning... More

Project • By farwickgrote partnerPrimary Schools

Primary school at Eiskeller

The planning task for the municipality of Altenberge involved merging the two existing primary schools in Altenberge, Johannesschule and the Borndalschule, at the site of the former Ludgeri secondary school (which closed in 2016/2017) and the Borndalschule site. Constantin Meyer, Köln Constantin Meyer, Köln Constantin Meyer, Köln Constantin Meyer, Köln The new primary school at Eiskeller in Altenberge is a successful example of how existing school buildings can be transformed into modern, future-oriented learning environments. Through the comprehensive renovation and targeted expansion of the former Ludgeri secondary school, the two existing primary schools in the municipality of Altenberge were able... More

Project • By C-O LabPrivate Houses

Gremnos House

The Gremnos House project includes the reconstruction of an existing traditional cell (cell from the word keli in Greek) built before 1955, and the design of a main residence and an independent guesthouse, thoughtfully integrated into a rugged landscape characterized by striking geological formations. The site’s unique topography presented the greatest challenge, as the new structures needed to be placed on the limited flat areas between the rocks, preserving and highlighting the natural formations rather than altering them. Excavations were carried out with meticulous care to avoid disrupting the natural landscape. Vangelis Paterakis Vangelis Paterakis Vangelis Paterakis The main residence comprises two stone volumes... More

Product • By Cornerstone RocksUnity U – Wraparound Bar Module for Outdoor Kitchens

Unity U – Wraparound Bar Module for Outdoor Kitchens

The Unity U is a three-sided wraparound bar module designed to transform any outdoor kitchen into a true gathering place. With raised bar-height seating on all sides, it creates a natural entertaining zone where guests can relax, dine, and stay connected to the action. Like all Unity modules, the U assembles without cutting, mortar, or specialized tools. Its solid concrete block structure and natural limestone countertops bring permanence and polish to any hardscape. Whether integrated into a full kitchen or used as a freestanding bar, Unity U is the ultimate upgrade for outdoor hospitality. More

Product • By Cornerstone RocksUnity L – Corner Bar Module for Outdoor Kitchens

Unity L – Corner Bar Module for Outdoor Kitchens

The Unity L is a raised corner bar module designed to bring casual seating, conversation, and serving space into your outdoor kitchen layout. With built-in bar-height counters on two sides, it anchors any L-shaped design and invites guests to linger—whether you’re serving up cocktails, pizza, or a round of grilled favorites. Constructed from solid concrete block and topped with natural limestone countertops, the Unity L assembles without mortar, cutting, or special tools. It integrates seamlessly with all Unity Series modules and is ideal for adding dimension and hospitality to any backyard, patio, or poolside design. More

Product • By Cornerstone RocksUnity K Series – Modular Kamado Smoker Stations

Unity K Series – Modular Kamado Smoker Stations

The Unity K Series is Cornerstone’s kamado-focused outdoor kitchen module—designed for low-and-slow cooks who want serious heat control wrapped in clean, architectural masonry. Whether you’re smoking brisket for a crowd or grilling over charcoal on a weeknight, the Unity K gives you a dedicated kamado station that installs easily and lasts for decades. Constructed from solid concrete block, the K Series assembles without mortar, cutting, or heavy equipment. It's finished with natural limestone countertops in two available colors and integrates seamlessly with other Unity kitchen modules. Available Configurations:Unity K – Compact kamado smoker station with masonry support and limestone topUnity K+ – Adds a co... More

Project • By Studio NetaHousing

Sycamore Glen

Located in a wooded valley on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Sycamore Glen is a single-family home nestled among mature trees, overlooking Wister Creek. Bordered closely by neighboring houses to the west, the narrow site informed a linear organization and a careful balance of privacy, light, and views. Pix The house is structured around a series of parallel masonry walls that divide space, define rhythm, and extend beyond the envelope to articulate thresholds and terraces. A recessed entry, marked by a cantilevered overhang, leads to a quiet, compressed threshold before opening into a living and dining area that extends outward to a terrace surrounded by evergreen ferns. Pix A stepped glass façade on the eastern side conn... More

NewsInnovations • 24 Oct 2023

Low-carbon recycled brick developed for expansion of Design Museum Gent, Belgium

A low-carbon brick made from recycled municipal waste has been developed for the construction of a new wing for the Design Museum Gent (DING), Belgium, a project currently under construction with a completion date anticipated in 2024. DING is a regional museum in Flanders dedicated to the Belgian national collection of ‘design culture’. The institution is located in the city’s historic center and adjacent to an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is currently accommodated within a collection of listed buildings dating from 1755. It is undertaking this project for an additional 1980 square meter wing to house galleries and event spaces for expanded cultural programming and visitor outreach. The extension will form a mis... More

NewsInnovations • 9 Oct 2023

SOM and Prometheus Materials exhibit an algae-based alternative to standard concrete blocks

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has designed a curvilinear installation constructed of brown-colored, algae-based masonry blocks for the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial. Developed in partnership with the US company Prometheus Materials, the featured Bio-Block product offers a carbon-neutral alternative to standard CMU blocks.  Dave Burk, SOM The installation is constructed on the ground floor of an office building in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. It makes use of 544 Bio-Blocks arranged in a 2.2 meter (7 foot 4 inch) tall construction to demonstrate a savings of more than one metric ton of carbon when compared to typical CMU construction. SOM designed the installation as an extruded spiral which resembles a s... More

NewsDetail • 18 Sep 2023

Detail: Brick Masonry Walls of Amant Art Campus, Brooklyn

SO-IL has completed a 2,000 square meter (21,000 square foot) arts campus sited on three blocks in its hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The facility is a collection of simple volumes clad with raw materials in keeping with the neighborhood’s industrial aesthetic. Two of its buildings make use of exterior masonry walls with blocks set in atypical configurations, generating rich and innovative textures that call special attention to the otherwise commonplace brick construction.  The Amant campus is situated within East Williamsburg’s sea of low-rise truck body shops, metal cutting warehouses and fabrication facilities that have been part of this borough for the better part of a century. Garage doors, nondescript walls and ban... More

NewsNews • 5 May 2021

For the 500 new houses of Strijp R Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten was inspired by the location’s industrial history

Strijp R is located in Eindhoven’s former Phillips factory site that is slowly being transformed into an industrial style city neighborhood. The spatial qualities of the industrial heritages were translated by Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten into housing with clear volumes, plentiful natural daylight and spacious interiors. Michel Kievits The 500 new houses refer back to the old factories with architectural details like cornices, masonry, concrete elements and tile surfaces. Masonry walls demarcate the line between public and private. Michel Kievits The Canne special antique bricks were baked in a traditional ring furnace by Vogelensangh brick factory in Deest. The variety in brick bonds and patterns soften the architecture.... More

Project • By brg3sSecondary Schools

Youth Villages

Youth Villages is an organization which originated in Memphis, TN with a mission to provide rehabilitative and educational services for children with behavioural health challenges. In the early 2000’s the firm, then under the title of TRO Jung Brannen, designed and constructed two other residential treatment centers and an educational facility. This is the third, 72-bed, residential building on the campus designed by the firm, now under the name of brg3s. It was named 'Bill's Place' for the CEO's late father who made his own way through the foster care system.  This 105,000 SF, single story addition provides living and treatment space for adolescents who have been placed at Youth Villages because of social and behavioral concern... More

Project • By PHAEDRUS StudioShops

HI-LO

While designed for a specific client and a site with opportune zoning and planning, Hi-Lo Hybrid tackles a prevailing narrow lot condition along Toronto's main streets. Despite the demand for increased density and housing options on these existing transit and mixed-use corridors, they remain largely underdeveloped, including an estimated 250km composed of existing single-family homes reinforced by low-rise residential zoning and planning. Outdated zoning and current planning policies limit the range of infill opportunities, driving homogenous stacked townhouse forms, as well as outsized mid-rise developments and retail spaces requiring long term lot assembly. Over time these development models become further entrenched. Hi-Lo Hybrid demonst... More

NewsNews • 13 Aug 2020

Brazilian House cleverly navigates topography with multi-level volumetric design

In Salto de Pirapora, Brazil, this house by Vereda Arquitetos is situated on a 1000 sqm plot with an 8-meter slope from front to back. Looking out over a small ecological reserve and stream, the house comprises three buried masonry volumes with floor levels varying in accordance with the topography. Credit: Andre Scarpa The three volumes house the kitchen and laundry in the first volume, the bedrooms in the second and the master bedroom with bathroom in the third volume, which is a mezzanine type space enclosed from the living room below by sliding curtain. Credit: Andre Scarpa The arrangement of the volumes on-site allows for fluidity over the sloping terrain, without cutting the site off between front and back. A concrete gran... More

NewsInnovations • 20 Jul 2020

Three Stories North house fosters strong links to its original industrial character

Three Stories North is an untraditional home in Australia that embraces its layered history, including an industrial heritage. Designed by Splinter Society Architecture, the project’s primary objective is to realise its existing potential rather than replace it with something entirely new. Credit: Sharyn Cairns Key to the overarching design objective was revealing the existing masonry construction that gives the home its ‘warehouse feel.’ Other original details such as arched doors and fireplaces were also retained, along with timber ceilings and imperfections in the brick walls. In several locations, glazing is used to fill gaps in the masonry and clearly distinguish what is original from what is new. Credit: Sha... More