Graffiti Bricks: Creating builds - with character

The Melbourne Orthopaedic Group facility in Prahran - a beautifully curated commercial build, epitomising urbanistic Melbourne design. Created by the minds of Erilyan Builders and Julian Brenchley Architecture, this building extension encapsulates contemporary design and Melbourne’s artistic essence, with bricks splashed with the graffiti paint that once completed them.

EcoGroup’s recycled bricks have become a staple in thousands of builds across Australia. Decorated with the memories from the builds they once fashioned, recycled bricks have become one of the most popular products to create a build -with character.

When Melbourne architect, Julian Brenchley dreamt up the build for the Melbourne Orthopaedic facility, he opted for a brick that remains contentious between home design connoisseurs - the graffiti brick, decorated with coloured paint and undeniable character.

We interviewed Julian about his vision, and how EcoGroup’s bricks became a part to play in the final product that is the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group Facility. Here’s what he had to say.

From a broad perspective, what influences your choice of building material and how did the decision to utilise recycled clay bricks come to fruition?

“The micro precincts in and around Prahran have such a wonderful character, a mosaic of heritage and contemporary styles and finishes. Placing a significant building in an urban context requires a sensitive approach to finishes, form and massing. The choice of the re-purposed bricks enabled us to be respectful to the local contact, and effective cloak a carpark in a tight urban street. Unless you knew what you were looking at, the average passer-by wouldn’t see the building.”

What influenced the decision to opt for graffiti bricks/ bricks with paint on them? Was this creative endeavour intentional from the outset?

“Face brick finishes of which graffiti bricks are a hero - give Texture. It can’t be said any more clearly than that - texture. Visual texture, tactile texture, a sense of place and belonging.”

Lastly, do you opt for recycled bricks often in your architectural designs?

“Recycled bricks give texture, warmth, visual softness, character and a sense place, theatre and performance.

We don’t generally impose arbitrary finishes on a project, however the finishes often ‘find’ us in the design process.”

The project now stands tall in the heart of Melbourne, painted with dashes of purple and white graffiti paint, accompanying thousands of builds across Australia that have been facilitated by EcoGroup.

To find out more about EcoGroup’s bricks, visit our website here: https://www.ecogroup.com.au/

Chris Murray Photography @chrism.photography

Erilyan @erilyan_construction

Julian Brenchley @julianbrenchley