A new residential building in Brooklyn, designed by FXCollaborative, is turning heads with its distinctive sawtooth brick façade. The custom-designed bricks, developed in collaboration with The Belden Brick Company, give the structure a bold, textured appearance that enhances its street presence without significantly impacting construction costs.
At the heart of the design is a unique, angular brick profile that creates a rhythm of light and shadow across the exterior. The sawtooth shape adds visual interest and depth, setting the building apart in a neighbourhood known for its architectural diversity. The bricks were specially manufactured to fit the architects’ vision while maintaining compatibility with standard construction techniques.
Tabitha Alleshouse, who leads architectural shapes at Belden Brick, shared that while they’ve explored various forms in past projects, the multi-tonal sawtooth pattern marks a new frontier in expressive masonry. This innovation reflects a growing industry trend where material manufacturers and architects collaborate to push the boundaries of conventional façade design.
The project demonstrates how the creative use of traditional materials can meet both aesthetic and practical goals. By using a mass-produced but custom-shaped unit, the design team achieved a dramatic look without resorting to costly cladding systems or complex installation methods.
Beyond aesthetics, the façade enhances the building’s performance by subtly managing light and shade, which can contribute to thermal efficiency. It’s a modern solution rooted in the timeless appeal of brick, reimagined for today’s urban context.
In combining affordability, craft, and creativity, this Brooklyn tower shows how thoughtful material innovation can redefine contemporary residential architecture.
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