GALJOEN RESTAURANT IN CAPE TOWN SHINES THANKS TO BESPOKE GLAZED BRICKS

The collaboration between Asembl. Studio, led by interior designer Annelise Vorster, and Corobrik, along with the expertise of ceramicist Amelia Jacobs from Kleipots, has resulted in a space that is as captivating as it is functional. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

Cape Town’s culinary landscape has been graced with the addition of the Galjoen Restaurant, owned by the talented Chef Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn. The establishment is not just a gastronomic delight but a visual masterpiece, thanks to the innovative use of bespoke glazed bricks from leading brickmaker Corobrik.

Commenting on the visual distinction of glazed bricks versus the traditional product, Vorster says the former utilise the structural foundation of traditional bricks and extend the aesthetic possibilities.

Glazing opens a near endless range of both texture and colour, creating an almost artistic application of the glazed bricks as a texture, a pattern, or even a mural. This versatility allows designers to tailor an architectural or interior design to a specific narrative or vision without needing specialist installation, making glazed bricks a simple yet elegant aesthetic option for a wide field of designers.

Glazed ceramic bricks are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Vorster highlights such advantages as glazed ceramic bricks being impervious to moisture, UV radiation, and thermal fluctuations, making them ideal for exterior use in diverse climates.

In addition, ceramic glazes offer excellent fire resistance, contributing to the safety and longevity of buildings. “The endless colour and textural options also allow for context-specific design solutions, enriched by local ceramicists’ techniques, thereby enhancing the local built environment with locally sourced knowledge and aesthetics,” highlights Vorster. The inspiration for the Galjoen Restaurant’s bar counter came from the ‘Black Fish’ known as the Galjoen, with the design mirroring the colour variations in its scales.

“Drawing on the astounding natural beauty as inspiration, we crafted a gradient effect on the counter front, transitioning from matte black unglazed bricks (Black Brick Satin FBX) to a blend of glazed Terracotta Satin FBS and Black Brick Satin FBX,” elaborates Vorster. This gradient in tile colour and pattern creates a sense of movement and flow, bringing the vibrant essence of the Galjoen to life.

The project was a testament to the power of collaboration. “The collaboration between myself, Corobrik, and Amelia is a testament to the heights that can be achieved when specialists come together,” says Vorster.

Jacobs, a Cape Town-based ceramicist, teacher, and part-time lecturer, brought her expertise in glazing and firing processes, ensuring the vision was executed to perfection. The team experimented with different glazes and firing temperatures, fine-tuning the process to achieve a beautiful and resilient product. Vorster praises Corobrik’s support and openness to exploration and experimentation, which proved integral to achieving the project’s design goals.

Continued in Part 2…