In old-school Chicago architecture — think buildings constructed before 1940 — it was standard practice to use affordable common brick made locally for the backs, sides, and innards of new buildings. On the front façade or street-facing elevations, fancier “face brick” (typically made elsewhere) was used, allowing the builder to give the structure a distinct, personalized look where it counted. Only the most prestigious and expensive properties used face brick throughout their design!
It’s pretty cool to see this same clever & cost-saving practice being used today, some 100 years later. Notice how the project pictured here uses handsome, long format Interstate Brick in smooth “Midnight Black” for its front face, while Midwestern-made “Graphite” utility bricks from Brampton Brick adorn the back & sides. Unless your neighbors are major masonry nerds like us, very few people will notice the different kinds of black brick! This strategy is a tried-and-true method to keep your new construction project within budget, and without sacrificing your ability to choose one-of-a-kind bricks.
LOCATION: 825 W Buckingham, Chicago
DESIGNER: BAK Homes
GC: V&M Development
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick, Brampton Brick
