Contemporary Masonry:
Harnessing the Strength of Mineral Materials for Architectural Vision
Light, elegance, and refined architecture:
Masonry embodies the perfect balance between design, functionality, and comfort.
A contemporary masonry home is defined by its timeless, elegant aesthetic. Simple volumes, clean lines, expansive glazing, and flat or mono-pitched roofs combine to create architecture that is both refined and enduring. It reflects a design-led approach that embraces sustainable materials and outstanding energy performance.
Unlike “modern” architecture, which refers to a specific architectural movement of the 20th century, contemporary architecture is constantly evolving. It responds to today’s design aspirations, technological innovation, and the changing lifestyles and expectations of those who will call it home.
"Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light.”
Le Corbusier
Our practice supports you through every stage of your bespoke contemporary home project:
- Understanding your aspirations and project requirements, including your budget, site, and lifestyle.
- Developing a bespoke architectural concept, with initial designs, landscape integration, and preliminary cost estimates.
- Preparing and managing your planning permission application and all associated administrative procedures.
- Overseeing construction and coordinating our trusted network of specialist contractors.
Throughout every stage, we place particular emphasis on architectural integrity, the purity of form, and the enduring quality of the materials we select.
Our Featured Masonry Projects
Let's Create Enduring Contemporary Masonry Architecture
Let's combine innovation, craftsmanship, and durable materials to create architecture that respects and enhances its surroundings.
Concrete, Stone, Brick, and more…
What are the advantages of a masonry home?
Masonry is a durable construction method that offers many advantages, including excellent thermal mass, exceptional robustness, and outstanding architectural flexibility. It can be adapted to virtually any architectural style and may be left exposed or finished with a wide range of surface treatments to achieve the desired aesthetic. Combined with materials such as timber, stone, glass, or steel, masonry enables the creation of contemporary architecture that responds harmoniously to its surroundings and the site’s topography.
What is the difference between stone, brick, and concrete construction?
Each material has its own architectural character and technical qualities, contributing to the identity of a project. Stone is valued for its timeless appeal and excellent thermal mass, brick for its thermal performance and versatility, while concrete offers exceptional design freedom and can be left exposed or finished in a variety of ways. Our role is to select—or combine—the materials best suited to your project, its setting, and your aspirations.
What are the thermal benefits of masonry?
Masonry provides excellent thermal mass, meaning it absorbs heat and releases it gradually over time. This characteristic is particularly beneficial during the summer months, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by reducing overheating. To achieve the best results, thermal performance must be considered alongside the building’s design, insulation, orientation, and ventilation strategy.
Does masonry require a lot of maintenance?
No. Masonry construction generally requires very little maintenance. The level of upkeep depends mainly on the chosen finishes—such as render, exposed stone, fair-faced concrete, or external cladding—and their exposure to the elements. As with any building, it is advisable to address even minor signs of deterioration promptly. Timely maintenance helps preserve the building’s appearance, performance, and long-term durability.
How much does a masonry home cost?
The cost of a masonry home depends on its architectural design, size, specification, site conditions, and the materials selected. As a guide, construction costs for a bespoke contemporary home generally start from around €3,000 per m² (including VAT) of living space. Since every project is unique, we prepare a tailored estimate based on your brief and architectural requirements.
Is masonry environmentally friendly?
Yes, when used thoughtfully. The construction sector accounts for a significant share of global environmental impact, making careful material selection increasingly important. Today, masonry materials are evaluated not only for their performance and durability but also for their environmental impact, origin, and life-cycle assessment. They can be combined with environmentally responsible construction techniques, sustainable resource management, and other materials such as timber to achieve the best balance between technical performance, architectural quality, and environmental responsibility.
How do I choose the most suitable material for my project?
Selecting the right material is never based on a single criterion. It involves a holistic assessment of your architectural ambitions, the characteristics of the site, the local climate, technical and environmental performance, budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Our role is to guide you through these decisions, creating an architectural design in which every material is used purposefully and to its greatest advantage.