Architect Egide Meertens on the Rutherford: a study in finesse

From vision to refinement

When designing an annex such as a poolhouse, the challenge often lies in creating a structure that is both functional and connects seamlessly with the main residence and its surroundings. For a project in Hasselt, the vision was clear: a minimalist, clean-lined retreat that radiates calm and elegance. The search for a façade material that could embody this understated refinement led straight to a brick known for its finesse: the Rutherford.

The process and the execution

To bring out the finesse of the Rutherford, the bricks were laid precisely in thin-bed mortar (glued). This kept the joints almost invisible, so all attention went to the slender bricks themselves.

The precision of Joseph Bricks was crucial. The architect knew the finish would make the difference:

Horizontal emphasis. The slim format and thin joints turn the façade into a series of unbroken horizontal lines. This gave the poolhouse the clean, floating look the design called for.

A precise finish. The architect saw the Rutherford as the right skin for the building. The technical properties and dimensional accuracy of the brick made it possible to achieve sharp corners and minimal roof edges, giving the whole a monolithic calm.

The architect's view

The choice of material for this project was a deliberate choice for minimalism and detail, with the Rutherford at the heart of that vision.

Architect: "We were looking for a brick that would reflect the serenity of the water. The Rutherford in Aether Grey (335 mm x 26 mm) embodies that calm. It is not a brick that claims volume, it plays with it. Its slim format allowed us to anchor the horizontal calm in the design. It is the right choice for a façade that radiates stillness and refinement. It gave us the minimalist precision that suits an architectural retreat like this poolhouse."