mvrdv glass brick | mvrdv crystal houses

MVRDV's Crystal Houses in Amsterdam is more than just a building; it's a statement. A bold declaration of architectural ingenuity that seamlessly blends the historical fabric of the city with a contemporary aesthetic. At the heart of this statement lies the *MVRDV Glass Brick*, a bespoke architectural element that forms the mesmerizing, transparent façade of the lower portion of the building, before gracefully transitioning into a traditional terracotta brick façade for the apartments above. This ambitious project, completed in 2016, is a testament to MVRDV's innovative spirit and their ability to navigate complex urban design challenges, particularly the often-conflicting demands of preserving historical context while embracing modern design.

The Crystal Houses project was born out of the necessity to rebuild a row of buildings on PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam's high-end shopping street. The original buildings, while historically significant, had fallen into disrepair and required replacement. However, strict aesthetic guidelines imposed by the City of Amsterdam presented a significant hurdle. The city mandated that any new construction must respect the existing architectural character of the street, particularly the use of traditional brick façades. This seemingly insurmountable obstacle became the catalyst for MVRDV's revolutionary design.

The Genesis of the Glass Brick Façade:

Faced with the challenge of reconciling modern design with historical preservation, MVRDV conceived the idea of a transparent façade built entirely from glass bricks. This innovative approach allowed them to maintain the visual rhythm and proportions of the original buildings while simultaneously introducing a contemporary and visually striking element. The glass brick façade serves as a modern interpretation of the traditional brickwork, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar architectural language.

The concept behind the glass brick façade was deceptively simple: replicate the appearance of traditional brickwork using solid glass blocks. However, the execution of this idea required significant research, experimentation, and collaboration with various specialists. MVRDV partnered with Delft University of Technology, engineering firm ABT, and glass manufacturer Poesia to develop the glass brick and the adhesive system needed to construct the façade.

The MVRDV Glass Brick: A Masterpiece of Engineering and Craftsmanship:

The MVRDV Glass Brick is not simply a standard glass block. It is a meticulously engineered and crafted piece of architecture, designed to mimic the dimensions and appearance of a traditional Dutch brick. Each brick is individually cast from solid glass, ensuring exceptional clarity and structural integrity. The bricks are then carefully polished to achieve a pristine, reflective surface.

The development of the glass brick involved overcoming several technical challenges. One of the primary concerns was the structural stability of the façade. Traditional brick buildings rely on mortar to bind the bricks together and distribute loads. However, conventional mortar would obscure the transparency of the glass bricks. To address this issue, MVRDV and their collaborators developed a specialized, high-strength adhesive that is virtually invisible when applied between the glass bricks. This adhesive not only provides the necessary structural support but also maintains the seamless, transparent appearance of the façade.

Another challenge was ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the glass bricks. Even slight variations in size could compromise the alignment and stability of the façade. To overcome this, the glass bricks were manufactured with extremely tight tolerances, ensuring that each brick was precisely the same size and shape.

The Art of Construction:

The construction of the Crystal Houses façade was a painstaking and meticulous process, requiring highly skilled craftsmen. Each glass brick was carefully positioned and bonded to its neighbors using the specialized adhesive. The adhesive was applied in thin, even layers to minimize its visibility. The craftsmen also had to ensure that the bricks were perfectly aligned, creating a smooth, even surface.

The construction process was further complicated by the fact that the façade is slightly curved. This required the craftsmen to carefully adjust the position of each brick to maintain the overall curvature of the façade. The entire process was akin to assembling a giant, three-dimensional puzzle, requiring patience, precision, and expertise.

A Gradual Transition: From Transparency to Tradition:

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Crystal Houses project is the gradual transition from the glass brick façade to the traditional terracotta brick façade above. This transition is not abrupt or jarring; instead, it is a seamless and organic evolution. As the façade rises, the glass bricks gradually give way to terracotta bricks, creating a subtle and visually captivating effect.mvrdv glass brick

The transition is achieved by gradually introducing terracotta bricks into the glass brick façade. At first, only a few terracotta bricks are interspersed among the glass bricks. As the façade rises, the proportion of terracotta bricks gradually increases until the façade is entirely composed of terracotta bricks. This gradual transition creates a sense of continuity and harmony between the modern and traditional elements of the building.

The choice of terracotta brick for the upper portion of the façade was deliberate. Terracotta is a traditional building material that has been used in Amsterdam for centuries. By using terracotta brick, MVRDV was able to seamlessly integrate the Crystal Houses into the existing architectural fabric of the city. The color and texture of the terracotta bricks were carefully selected to complement the appearance of the glass bricks, creating a cohesive and visually appealing façade.

Impact and Legacy: