The Terres Brunes residence in Saint-Malo, with its “Brut de Four” brick facades.
The Terres Brunes residence in Saint-Malo embodies a new vision of modern urban development. This bold architectural project redesigns the city’s landscape by integrating a variety of housing units and offering residents loggias and vast planted terraces. At the heart of this project, Rairies Montrieux had the privilege of supplying the facing bricks that elegantly adorn the building’s facade. Our “Brut de Four” range was chosen to bring a unique, authentic aesthetic to the entire structure.
An innovative urban project
Completed in 2023, the Terres Brunes project illustrates a bold, modern vision of urban planning. Developed by Rennes-based developer Pierre Promotion, the project was designed by Le Club Architecture. Formerly known as Engasser Perraud et Meignan, this firm has evolved while retaining its expertise and creativity.
“From the outset, the firm explored different options for cladding the facade of the residence. It was as part of our collaborative approach with the architects that we were given the opportunity to present our ‘Brut de Four‘ range of bricks,” explains Bruno Boisdron, Rairies Montrieux’s project manager and specifier.
With their nuanced, flamed effects, these claddings captured the team’s imagination, offering an aesthetic and innovative solution that blends perfectly into the project. Terres Brunes is a testament to the strength of partnership and architectural creativity, creating a living space that inspires and stands out for its uniqueness.
Brut de Four: the brick that redefines facades
The project uses three brick references: Mali, Saturn and Sahara. Each of these references has slightly different proportions and colors. The harmonious blending of these three shades has created distinctive variations throughout the façade. This mix extends from top to bottom and around the entire perimeter of the building, giving the envelope a unique Brut de Four brick veneer finish.
The Brut de Four range stands out for its nuanced, flamed effects, characteristics sought by the architectural firm for this project.
“This product is one of a kind, because it’s cooked over a wood fire, which is the very essence of our company.”
Bruno Boisdron, sales manager and specifier at Rairies Montrieux.
The firing method gives the brick its distinctive nuances and flames, visible on the building’s facade.
The installation of these bricks was carried out by FACOUEST, a Rouen-based company that regularly works in the Rennes region, particularly in the Ille-et-Vilaine département. Their expertise enabled the aesthetic and artisanal qualities of Brut de Four bricks to be brought to the fore, giving the building an authentic, elegant look.
Detail of “Brut de Four” brickwork creating a play of reliefs.
Modenature at the heart of an inspiring project
The bricks used in this project were specially selected to create relief elements, known as modénatures, which bring a dynamic texture to the façade, particularly at ground-floor level. In architecture, modénature refers to the play of relief that subtly enlivens the surface of a building, giving it a vibrant, lively appearance.
In this case, it was the thickness of the brick slips that created the modenature effect. The interplay of thicknesses between the bricks adds a unique architectural dimension, giving the façade a depth and distinctive character that draw the eye and underline the craftsmanship of the project.
A successful project paves the way for new projects
For the architect and developer, the Saint-Malo project marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Rairies Montrieux. The fact that Rairies Montrieux is a local and regional company played an important role in the decision to entrust the project to them.
Rairies Montrieux’s work has left a significant mark, not least thanks to the building’s strategic location, directly opposite the gendarmerie. Its visibility makes it a real landmark in the town. As Bruno Boisdron points out, “this achievement has become a valuable reference for us, paving the way for new projects in the Ille-et-Vilaine department.”
The flamed effect of the “Brut de Four” bricks adds depth and elegance to the Terres Brunes façade.
