Architectural firm Purcell has designed a shoemaking museum in Somerset with a zigzagging brick facade, according to architecture and design site Dezeen. The shifting, angled face gives the building a bold look that stands out while still leaning on a familiar material: brick.
That kind of brick-forward design matters for more than curb appeal. When brick is treated as a feature instead of a flat backdrop, it puts masonry craft in the spotlight, including line, alignment, and the ability to keep a wall looking clean across changing planes. It also highlights how masonry can carry a strong visual identity for cultural spaces like museums.
For mason contractors, projects with a zigzagging facade are a good reminder that “simple material” does not always mean “simple install.” Changes in wall geometry can affect layout, coursing strategy, corner conditions, and how details are handled at transitions. It also raises the value of early conversations with the design team about what needs to be watertight, what needs to stay crisp, and what tolerances are realistic once brick starts stepping in and out.
At a time when many buildings chase fast, interchangeable finishes, a brick facade that leans into texture and form helps tell a story. In this case, it is a story about making things by hand, and masonry fits naturally into that message.
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Dezeen