The hole truth: until recently, perforated bricks were relegated to behind-the-scenes roles, such as for constructing load-bearing walls and parking lot barriers. Lighter than traditional bricks—so easier to transport and less impactful on foundations—they also offer better mortar adhesion and superior insulation against heat and cold. Plus they’re affordable and their circles create pleasing patterns.
Which explains why these humble, age-old building blocks are now being put to inventive uses as both structural and decorative elements. Designers have also come up with their own more sophisticated riffs on the standard cored block. Here are some notable examples and ways to use them.
Traditional Perforated Brick
Refined Versions of Perforated Brick
The bricks come in natural terracotta and four glaze colors, available in both matte and glossy. The glazed bricks are also available with contrasting colored inserts.
For a while now we’ve been noting the rise of circles in design: see, for instance:
- Trend Alert: Perforations, Punctures and Hole Punches
- Wall Murals: The Power of the Painted Circle
- Kitchen of the Week: The Eternally Sunny London Kitchen
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