“The Kempisch klompje brick laid in a random pattern with a third of Rhine sand. That’s the ultimate.” Architect Christine Ceuppens’ eyes light up when she talks about her favorite Olivier brick. That’s no coincidence: she also chose Olivier and the Kempisch klompje brick for her own home.
Christine Ceuppens (45) designed her first home 23 years ago. The bricks for her architectural debut? They came from Olivier. "They still look great," she laughs. "With bricks, it's often about the feel. With Olivier, it was right from the start. The light color variations of the tumbled bricks create a warm retro look that fits perfectly with classic homes. And —not unimportantly—my contractors like working with them. That's two birds with one stone.
As an architect, Christine mainly works in her own region: Hoeilaart. And even though she uses 3D visualizations to show the look and feel of different brick choices during the design phase, she still advises her clients to visit the Olivier showroom in Kortrijk. "It's not right on the doorstep, but for most people, a house is their life's work. A dream come true. So choosing your brick is definitely worth the trip. Because it's only when you see the brick in a broader context, with different brickwork patterns and joints, that you discover its true impact."
Sleek, modern, or classic with a retro touch: as an architect, Christine takes a versatile approach. "I don't work for a client, but with a client. And whatever their preferences may be, I have to feel at home in every house I design. Only then is a project successful." Proportions are essential in this regard, as is the choice of materials. "The clients obviously have freedom, but I have to support it myself. Because I often work in the neighborhood, I run into my clients on the street. And after 23 years, they all still say hello. That means a lot to me and to Olivier's bricks.
More information about the Kempisch klompje can be found here.
