Gold Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2022

Dubio

Design
Building Materials Design Built
Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Roel Vandebeek

Studio:

Depot Roel Vandebeek

Design Team:

Frederik Bussels

Copyright:

Nelissen steenfabrieken

Country:

Belgium

the Dubio
This project is originated from the idea of playing with one of the most basic construction materials: the brick. It is a big challenge to be creative with such a ‘banal’ product. But at the same time, that makes it so fascinating.
Dubio is a brick with shadow lines that creates an illusion of two or three thin stacked bricks. Dubio 1 has an asymmetrical joint and Dubio 2 two symmetrical joints. This gives the architect creative options with an ecological touch that were not previously possible.
Architects are designing more and more facades in which the bricks are glued, that is why the demand for an original linear pattern has also dramatically increased. Therefore, Dubio’s aim is to provide a durable answer using existing production capabilities in accordance with the principle of ‘sustainable building’.

The new Dubio brick is based on the N70 brick. The compact Dubio brick is 3 centimetres thinner than a standard brick, creating space for additional insulation in the outside wall or creating a bigger living space. If Dubio bricks are used in a construction project, the weight of the total number of bricks required is 30% less than that of standard bricks, resulting in a 30% reduction in transport costs. That is why it is possible for the brick manufacturer to offer architects the opportunity to combine aesthetics and durability.

With Dubio we not only focus on the brick itself, but also on the broader context of the facade. You can compare it with a tile floor and its vast array of patterns.
By adding extra shadow joints to the bricks, a unique pattern is obtained. Dubio (is it one brick, two or three ?) gives the impression that the facade is built using thin, glued bricks. These bricks are amazingly thin and at that thickness, bricks are never baked because of the risk of being warped. They also would not create as much interest, because larger amounts would be too expensive to mortar. Additionally, because Dubio’s height is the same as that of a standard brick, the yield on the building is the same. However, the illusion is created of having used double the number of bricks.
Different combinations create a surprising design of new patterns, and make natural patterns possible. The bricks can be placed in various colours both horizontally and vertically.

With Dubio you can achieve creations that are not possible with standard bricks. The photos in the attachment provide some examples of patterns. Dubio 1 and 2 can be used individually or can also be combined with full standard bricks, horizontal and vertical.
Dubio is also available in a decorative brick of 2 cm.

Depot Roel Vandebeek

Roel Vandebeek

Roel is an all-round designer who is active in various fields of design. He founded his own agency at the end of ’96 and has since worked for various national and international companies in very different sectors. His designs always start from identity. They are original, surprising products, objects and installations with a touch of humor. Is it art, is it design, it doesn’t matter, it’s a Roel.
He also works on a project base with architects on interior projects and public spaces.
Roel Vandebeek is a Belgian designer who lives in Maasmechelen.

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