The brick pattern on this home isn’t just decorative, it tells a story

May 16, 2025
A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.

Situated on a street of older houses, the Shudell House, designed by Weiss Architecture + Urbanism, is a prime example of when brick is used in a contemporary way.

A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.

The Toronto neighborhood, known locally as “The Pocket”, where this home is located, has deep roots in brick. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was lined with quarries and brickworks.

A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.

Many of the nearby homes were built by master masons who took pride in details that often went unnoticed by passersby. This new house continues that lineage in a quiet but powerful way.

A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.

The brickwork is a deliberate tribute to the area’s heritage. The diamond patterning, known as “diapering,” was once a hallmark of skilled masonry in cities with strong brickmaking traditions.

A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.

This home updates that tradition, using a mix of buff and dark brown brick to create a layered texture that feels both historic and contemporary.

A contemporary home in Toronto, Canada, with diamond patterned brickwork on its facade.
Photography: David Whittaker and Birdhouse Media | Architect: Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited – Kevin Weiss, Principal | Engineer: Shannon Hilchie | Contractor: Carmelin Design + Build