The Brickhouse gets design revamp

1st June 2010, 2:24pm

The Brickhouse restaurant and bar housed in the 18th Century Old Truman Brewery in London has been given a radical new look, using recycled tyre products as its main design concept.

Designers Tread by Kassan wanted to use recycled tyre products as its main design concept to convey the avant-garde and trend-setting ambience of The Brickhouse. A spokesperson for the design group said: "The brief was to consolidate the three levels of the venue using a design link that would soften the previously hard finishes but not compromise the durability of this versatile venue. 

"It was the perfect opportunity to be completely original and use the innovative recycled tyre products as the main part of the design concept.

 "A lot of the attention was to be focused on the bed bar adding an element of luxury to this lounging area, and at all times it was important to create a backdrop for the performing artists that are such a unique part of the Brickhouse offer."

Tread got its inspiration from seeing talented artisans working with old tyres and transforming them into amazingly decorative forms. It was this that led to the initial home accessories range.

The tyre treads have been used throughout the entire venue, from the frames of the dark mirrors to the huge chests and bar front. Tread believes the bespoke mirrors, large tables and art panels are the key features of the venture. 

"As a performance venue the use of large expanses of mirror we felt were imperative as they work so well to enhance the overall effect of the acts within the space. Full walls of mirror and also decorative large tyre framed mirrors were used to achieve this.

"Smoked grey mirror was selected for its softer reflection and the colour of this glass sets off the almost tactile leather texture of the tyre tread frames perfectly.

"As the site was predominantly monochrome in style a simple grey colour palette was selected to contrast the white walls, used on some walls and ceilings areas it works to tie together the three floors."

So how did you approach this project, I asked the team. "The process for this refurbishment was very simple. After the concept of using the recycled tyre as the basis of the design was agreed the measure and making of each bespoke piece began. The other elements of the refurbishment were then selected to compliment the statement of using a recycled tyre product in such an innovative way."

All in all, the project time was very short. "From the initial measure and concept approval there was a six week lead in period while the bespoke tyre tread items were made, and then the installation on site including all the other elements of the decoration, floor finishes and lighting and soft furnishings were completed in less than two weeks."

Looking ahead, Tread plans to increase the stage size at The Brickhouse which will open up many opportunities. "This will mean that we have the opportunity to add new stage drapes that we intend to do in heavy grey velvets that will add a luxurious wall of fabric to the scheme. This will then be complimented with deep-buttoned black leather upholstery for the current restaurant seating that will work perfectly with the black lustre of the tyre tread features."

Tread was established by interior designer Karen Brierley and her business partner Anna Tutton.

The Brickhouse has a total capacity of 300 and is split over three floors. The ground floor cocktail bar has an extensive cocktail, wine and champagne list and there is also a heated outdoor terrace area.

Meanwhile the middle mezzanine has booth style dining seating overlooking the ground floor. Full restaurant service and menus change on a fortnightly basis and are created by head chef Matthew Reuter. For more information visit
http://www.re-tread.com/

Related Articles:

• 03 Jun 2010 - Eager Drinks partners with The Brickhouse restaurant
• 15 Sep 2009 - The Brickhouse launches five course menu for £25
• 12 Nov 2007 - The Brickhouse comes to Brick Lane