Mano Bricks.

When reimagining this four-bedroom home, the architects approached the project with sustainability and respect for the existing structure front of mind. Retention, rather than replacement, became the driving principle. “What I'm most proud of in this project is that 95% of the existing building still stands. We found a way to reuse, repurpose and avoid the existing materials ending up in landfill – and I think this is largely thanks to the materials we chose to make it more enduring.” Says, Jackson Wylie

Made from robust limestone, Meda bricks were selected for both the external cladding and a feature wall inside. Their pale grey tone and elongated shape introduce linearity and cohesion across the home, while remaining durable enough to withstand the harsh coastal conditions. As sunlight moves across the façade, subtle shifts in colour and texture create depth and shadow, bringing a quiet sense of movement to the architecture. The slim face brick format also allowed sections to be laid vertically, forming gentle curves across the building’s exterior.

Through a restrained yet transformative material intervention, Hermitage House is secured well into the future. Robust limestone finishes form a protective outer layer, one that will soften with time while strengthening the building’s resilience.