The nature of retail spaces has transformed into experiences that span the digital realm alongside activated, immersive physical spaces. 

Today, individuals can make purchases with a simple click of a button. And although this model can cater to quicker timeframes and a larger audience in one go, there is still something powerful about experiencing a brand’s story through its physical footprint.

The distinct sensorial feeling of being immersed in a physical store, with the heart of the brand embedded within the walls and its philosophy interweaved in the fabric and form of each product is, undoubtedly, unattainable through a screen.

Retail and hospitality spaces need to let their personality shine through the forms, materiality and intricate details of the physical environment. Ultimately, the experience needs to equate to more than just a simple transaction, since we can do that online already.

With this in mind, designers are choosing to celebrate authenticity by adding layers to spaces. And one material is more often than not celebrated for the character it brings when enveloped in a space. Robust, tough, and raw brick represents history as well as a revival through one of the most genuine materials of all time.

Bringing authenticity to life, one brick at a time

No brick is ever the same – every piece is unique, delivering a bespoke authenticity for any designer specifying them. But not all fit-outs, particularly retail and hospitality projects have the scope for standard bricks. This is where the opportunities of brick facings are endless, and PGH Bricks & Pavers, one of Australia’s leading clay brick manufacturers, has a diverse range of styles, colours and textures.

With design flexibility and charm at the forefront, brick facings offer timeless beauty with myriad options to create inspiring and engaging retail environments.

From a technical perspective, PGH’s brick facings offer a unique alternative for retail and hospitality environments that need a touch of the real deal but would otherwise not be able to accommodate a full-sized brick. The whole brick facings range also ensures a simple installation, which can be fixed to all common substrates. They’re simplicity and authenticity rolled into one – and offer a kind of textural material that retail and hospitality environments need to keep a captive audience.

Architects and designers have the power to create spaces that express a unique narrative. They are pioneers of artful shelters – meticulously crafted spaces that enhance imperfections, define the beauty of time and history, and elevate the way we experience our environments.

PGH is the partner of The Shopping Space category for the INDE.Awards 2019.