Acme Brick transforms former thrift store with feature facade

Promotion: US brand Acme Brick's clay bricks in two tones adorn the dynamic facade of a former Austin thrift store, which was renovated into a mixed-use complex.

Saint Vincent was refurbished by US-based practice Lake Flato Architects, with the studio transforming the 5,100-square-foot store into retail and office spaces, while adding a further 14,900 square feet by building an adjacent car park.

Located on the corner of Austin's South Congress Avenue and East Gibson Street, Lake Flato Architects chose Acme Brick's Marble Gray Modular and Slate Gray Utility brick to design a visually interesting facade and capture the attention of passing pedestrians.

Some of the bricks were inserted into the structure lengthways to extend further than others, creating a diagonal pattern that adds tactility, while displaying different shadow patterns throughout the day.

"In addition to the blends, we wanted the building to have great brick details," said architect Jonathan Smith. "We designed a window inset detail to create larger punches and deeper, more distinct shadow lines."

"We were pleased that Acme Brick was able to produce solid bricks for the overhanging brick studs on the facade," Smith continued. "The overhanging pattern gave us something special for the corner."

Smith explained that the team carefully chose the bricks to ensure the refurbished building complemented the neighbouring masonry buildings from the early 20th century.

"Throughout the design phase, the team spent a lot of time testing different brick blends and combinations of colours and textures," he said. "We worked through several blend options and ultimately chose a grey blend colour combination, which complemented the natural wood and painted steel finishes on the job."

While adding a striking feature to the building, the bricks also frame the rows of windows across each floor, which provide natural light and ventilation to the rooms and form outdoor meeting spaces.

South Congress Avenue is situated within a community of eclectic shops and architecture in Austin, including the city's cultural hotspots, the Continental Club and Hotel San José.

The project was granted the 2019 Brick In Architecture award by the Brick Industry Association, winning the Best in Class Commercial category.

To learn more about Acme Brick's products, visit its website.

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