Modal is a stunning development in Mount Albert, Auckland that is taking on a new approach to apartment living. The build-to-rent apartment block is designed, built and owned by Ockham Residential with an aim to provide quality long-term rental options with a focus on community and connection. Close to public transport and amenities and with ample bike parking for residents, the building offers a more European style of living.

With a prime location on the corner of New North Road, the Ockham design team have taken the chance to make a bold statement with cladding. The use of glazed bricks from Midland Brick and rounded corners provides a classic look with a contemporary twist while ensuring trusted and enduring performance.

“The design team wanted to make a statement and make it really striking,” explains Ben Gibbens, Project Director, Ockham. “They had toyed with the idea of a project with glazed bricks for a while, and this was the first job where they took that leap.”

Ockham had worked with Midland Brick on several other projects, and found the aesthetic they were after in Metallic Brick from the Euro range. Used extensively on the facade, the sophisticated clay brick with its black glazed finish gives Modal its signature metallic sheen.

To bring further detail to the facade, Ockham also specified a select number of matt black Toro Bricks in order to create patterns inspired by the seven modes of music. The patterns which rise upwards from the ground floor feature bricks subtly extending beyond the plane of the main facade, adding texture and visual interest to the building.

With a tight construction programme that involved bricks being laid storey by storey as the structure was built, communication was critical. “That’s always pretty easy with Midland Brick,” says Ben. “It's just about communicating early.”

Over 63,000 bricks were used across the five storeys of the building with TS Bricklayers doing a phenomenal job of the installation. One of the key challenges was creating the curved corners of the design — a feat which was achieved by cutting the bricks in half to deliver the tight radii required.

The beautiful aesthetic of the bricks is supported by a range of practical benefits; Euro Bricks are sustainable, strong and long-lasting and offer a low maintenance solution perfect for rental properties such as Modal.

The enduring performance and striking appearance of the Midland Brick facade has resulted in an eye-catching building that will continue looking good for years to come. “The brick facade is architecturally impressive, but low risk,” says Ben. “The building looks amazing.”