A Partnership Built in Bricks – The Relationship Between WOWOWA and Brickworks

Driven by an informed appreciation for history, context and client relationships, the witty, playful, charming and, at times, daring work of WOWOWA needs no introduction. Known for pushing the boundaries of form, materiality and colour whilst maintaining an almost nostalgic familiarity, the studio has been a frequent specifier of Brickworks bricks, resulting in a long-term partnership that has evolved beyond the realms of the traditional architect-supplier relationship.

Founded in 2010 by Directors Monique and Scott Woodward, WOWOWA now encompasses a committed team of 14 working across offices in Melbourne and Perth. WOWOWA’s award-winning portfolio of residential, public and commercial work is supported by an inherent commitment to sustainable design, social change and the reinvention of traditional perspectives. It is a holistic level of design intellect that aligns WOWOWA and Brickworks, resulting in a portfolio of residential architecture built upon the timeless beauty of brick.

It is a holistic level of design intellect that aligns WOWOWA and Brickworks, resulting in a portfolio of residential architecture built upon the timeless beauty of brick.

WOWOWA’s recently completed Merri Creek House features the Daniel Robertson range of carbon neutral bricks, selected due to its aesthetic appeal, enduring strength and sustainable characteristics. Referencing the curved brickwork and art deco stylings of its neighbours, this home takes inspiration from its context. Emerging as a whimsical pink castle, complete with cylindrical brick turrets, Merri Creek House combines craft, character and an inherent playfulness. Exemplifying the environmentally conscious approach that drives both WOWOWA and Brickworks, the project offers invaluable insight into the use of brick in sustainable architecture. As Monique says, “we couldn’t be more passionate about sustainability and contributing to a regenerative environment.”

This passion is also evident in the studio’s 2018 Tiger Prawn project, which features a prominent specification of a dry pressed brick from the Brickworks Bowral Bricks range in Simmental Silver. The brick façade of this home was translated and embellished to form a distinctive zigzag, almost scalloping, pattern that is present in the eye-catching extension to the rear.

Exemplifying the environmentally conscious approach that drives both WOWOWA and Brickworks, Merri Creek House offers invaluable insight into the use of brick in sustainable architecture.

The sculptural silver form is rife with environmental considerations, including insulated double brick cavity walls that further elevate the sustainable economics of the home. Following from this shared commitment to sustainability and directly resulting from projects like Tiger Prawn, Monique was invited to speak on behalf of the Brickworks carbon neutral initiative, as an ambassador for the brand. “Brickworks has always been a leader in this space, and so we’re really excited about the Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification,” she says. “We’ll definitely be running all of our projects through that process, because it’s in alignment with our values.”

Building on and reconsidering the brick-informed logic of Tiger Prawn, Ponds is a true case study in materiality, utilising a diverse specification of products from the Bowral Bricks range in the colours Gertrudis Brown, Bowral Brown, Limousine Gold and Hereford Bronze. The Ponds brickwork is part of WOWOWA’s Borromini Series, which aims to use the humble brick to create complex geometry, as evidenced in the instantly iconic zigzag pattern present on the home’s exterior. Affectionately dubbed the ‘freshwater yabby’ by Monique, Ponds explores new geometries and possibilities – all facilitated by the intrinsic trust between architect and supplier. “There’s something really robust, beautiful and almost ancient about bricks,” says Monique. “A reminder to stay grounded in nature and remember the homes we build, or the buildings we work and play within, are always connected to the earth.”