- designed by n goyal and assocates inking private limited
A step towards building the urban fabric of INDIAN CITIES
In conversation with Architect - Nitin Goyal
Q Since when have you been using the brick cladding?
Exploring with brick cladding has been a part of our projects at nga .
We at nga have been using brick cladding in our built spaces for the last 48 years and yet this stands out as one of the most trusted materials.
Q Why is there a reluctance observed with the use of exposed brickwork these days?
Exposed brickwork has been a perfect building material from our past. From vintage buildings to the contemporary buildings of today it stands out to give a blend of warmth and style. Exposed brickwork holds its own challenges.
Firstly,It is not readily and locally available. Secondly,We need first-class bricks to build.
Thirdly, the project design time given is too less and changes keep happening on-site in process. If we need to design in exposed brickwork then the entire project needs to be detailed w.r.t. to detailing and services.
Thus, we need to complete the planning before. Further, in this, the construction process is slower and we need highly skilled labor.
Q How have you used brick cladding in exteriors in your projects?
When we build our homes, offices, retail spaces, institutional ,industrial facades and many more, what do we look for –materials that add value, texture, and sustainability.
We have used brick cladding as a wholesome material in facades or as highlighting elements or in contrast with other materials. It is a versatile material and we have further extensively used it in landscaping and details. One of the perfect material feasibility lies in the use of brick cladding –that not only personifies a character to the built façade but also adds an element of being eco friendly, economical and frames timelessness.
Can we use brick cladding in interiors spaces?
Brick cladding adds warmth to the interior spaces. It can be used as a focus wall, in transitional spaces or double-height spaces. The design possibilities can be endless. Brick cladding stands out to give a rustic, industrial, modern and stylistic outlook to the rooms.
Q What are the advantages of using brick cladding?
It is strong and durable-
Resistance to mechanical damage.
Don’t decay
Termite resistant
Natural color, no fading
Greater insulation and temperature control
Keeps the space cool in summers and retains the warmth in winters
Fireproof-
During its baking, it is exposed to high temperatures and thus acts as a fire-resistant material.
No toxic gases released when exposed to u -v radiation.
Adds value to the building-
Attracts the eye
Increases property value
No maintenance
Cost-effectiveness-
It is an economically viable solution as it does not need the re-doing of painting /plaster.
It can be a great solution to stand out for years
Can reduce energy bills
Has less weight thereby reducing the cost of transportation.
Different design possibilities-
Can be used for both interiors and exteriors
Can be used in contrast to other materials
A lot of detailing can be done with or without mechanical/electrical tools.
Due to baking at different temperatures, it results in various shades of red, crimson, rust colors.
Builds an urban fabric of the city-
Defines a character to a city with its finesse, style, unity, and textures.
Defines personal expression with a distinctive look
It is locally available-
It is available in sizes 30 x 75mm/40 x 230mm/25 x 150mm etc.
Q Which companies have you used for brick cladding?
We have used Shayam ceramics, Pioneer and Unistone brick cladding.
Q How do you see the use of brick cladding in the urban cities of India?
We believe our urban fabric needs to re-tell a story of unity, rhythm, and sustainability. If we look back in our history, our old cities all have a story to tell with their colors, style of architecture and materials. The pink city of Jaipur with the use of terracotta pink, the white Udaipur with its white marble, Jaiselmer dressed in yellow and the blue city of Jodhpur. All are built with their distinctive character.
It is possible to even uplift our urban centers in our modern times. We observed this in one of our trips to London where old classical buildings adorn the city and now the new modern buildings which have come up are a perfect example of a blend of brick and glass.
They have maintained the sanctity of the city and personified it with focal elements of contrasting structures. The city defines a story- with its use of the modern brick cladding.
Today our cities in India have become a collage of mix match of spurting facades with no response to the urban story. Be it the urban slums, houses or the public spaces. We need unity, and Brick Clad buildings can be a perfect way to make a start.
Nga talks with architect Nitin Goyal
Credits: photography- Ranjan,Vedaant
Author-Ritika
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