Black Pearl - Timeless Elegance in Brick
The "Black Pearl" residence stands out with its clear and restrained architecture, where the choice of materials has been carefully considered. From the street, the sculptural and monolithic form is immediately noticeable – simple yet powerful.
// Minimalism with Impact – An Architectural Masterpiece
The building features a rectangular volume with an almost completely closed façade, creating a calm and harmonious expression. The façade is constructed using Randers Tegl Ultima bricks, which not only clad the building but also form an essential part of its identity and character. The project demonstrates how consistent design and high-quality materials can create a timeless architectural expression.
// Challenging Site – Architectural Opportunity
The steep plot required meticulous planning but also offered a chance to integrate the building into the landscape. The front is discreet, with few openings, an integrated garage door, and minimalist details – all contributing to a protected, monolithic expression facing the street.
The rear is the opposite: open, bright, and generous. Large floor-to-ceiling windows blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Smart recesses provide shade, balance, and sheltered outdoor spaces – a sign of thoughtful light and climate design.
The floor plan follows both function and aesthetics: social areas face the view, while service spaces are oriented toward the street. This clear division reinforces the concept of openness versus privacy.
// Material Choices That Shape the Expression
The visual core of the project is the façade – built with Ultima RT 150, a long-format brick with a matte surface and subtle texture. The brick’s format creates horizontal lines that enhance the building’s elegant and calm expression.
Despite the dark color, the façade feels light, thanks to the layered effect of the brick bands and large glass surfaces that break up the heaviness of the stone. On the garden side, carefully placed openings – such as a recessed loggia and pool area – add depth and connection between inside and outside.
The dark tones of the brick harmonize with champagne-colored metal surfaces and light earthy tones indoors, creating a cohesive and balanced color palette.
// Facts
Project: Black Pearl
Location: Germany
Masonry Contractor: Bauunter nehmungehl
Architects: BHK Architects
Product: Ultima RT 150
