Frank Gehry's Chau Chak Wing Building at the University of Technology, Sydney, stands as a testament to the unique way in which bricks can be used playfully and unconventionally. This project offered many challenges for all parties involved from building suppliers to engineers. Through collaboration and innovative engineering, bricks were used to create movement, giving the building its affectionate nickname, The Paper Bag Building.
Requirement
Each step in the plan and build process called for fresh ideas and inventive uses of familiar materials. Minutia was accounted for, and the small but mighty weep hole was not overlooked. For over thirty years, Weepa's weep hole formers have been designed and tested to comply with Australian Standards, meeting Gehry's challenging plans.
Approach
Success was made possible by the collective effort of everyone in the supply chain, from design through to the final brick laid. This project required a brick that could be tied to the structural frame. Brick supplier, Brickworks, worked closely with AECOM engineers to develop a workable method. AECOM created a restraint and wall tie system that prevented bricks from falling in or out and allowing for a flowing pattern during construction. Bowral was then enlisted to dry press five unique bricks for the job. It was then on to Favetti to determine the method of laying bricks to create the fluid image of a paper bag.
Peter Favetti came out of retirement to tackle this once in a lifetime project. With the help of his sons, Ray and Sam, and the expert bricklayers at Favetti, a demo wall was created to determine how to lay each brick by hand to create movement. Heavily corbelled brick doesn't always sit right, so careful planning and execution on the bricklayer's part was essential. With an eye for detail and exactness, Favetti used Weepas to ensure neat mortar joints and perfectly aligned, uniform weep holes - achieving a clean, professional finish that met both aesthetic and structural standards. Favetti continues to use Weepas today.
Result
After laying 320,000 bricks of 5 custom designs, the Chau Chak Wing Building was successfully opened in February 2015, still standing as one of Australia's most creative and unique builds. Cathy Inglis, Think Brick CEO, was heavily involved with the project over several years in her role at Brickworks. Cathy says, "The Chau Chak Building, a unique design made from custom bricks and other innovative masonry solutions such as Weepa's weep hole formers, is an iconic testament to innovation and design in brick buildings." The Paper Bag Building, as it's affectionately known by Sydney siders, stands as a testament to the unique and modern ways in which traditional materials can be used.
Architect: Gehry Partners, LLP
Developer: Lendlease
Engineer: AECOM
Bricklayer: Favetti
Supplier: Brickworks Building Products
Photography: Reflected Image PRoductions