Bricks in red tones from PGH Bricks & Pavers were specified for the Western Sydney University, John Phillips Library, Penrith (Kingswood) campus  in Sydney, NSW to maintain visual consistency.

A Finalist in the 2015 Think Brick Horbury Hunt Commercial Award, the Library was designed by Alan Jack + Cottier (AJ+C) and built by Taylor Construction Group Pty Ltd. Consolidating the library facilities at two of Penrith’s campuses into one new building, the new red brick structure also accommodates centralised administrative services from five other campus libraries.

The design brief sought to create an efficient, modern, state-of-the art library, and an inspiring and user-friendly research, learning and study centre. Since the campus buildings were built in red brick, the brief required red bricks for the new Library to maintain visual consistency. However, AJ+C chose a series of bricks predominantly with red tones to provide texture and complexity.

The textured red brick facades appear as an additional skin applied to the building rather than being anchored to the ground plane. All openings are framed by dark bronze sunscreens, reducing the perceived mass of the building.

Four types of bricks were installed by bricklayer Simon Masonry in the following ratio: PGH Smooth Face Red 35%, Red Velour 35%, Dry Pressed Red Rum 20% and Lincoln Blue mottle 10% with the ratios consistently maintained on all facades.