How do you showcase over 400 unique bricks in a way that’s both functional and visually captivating? That was the challenge set by Manchester Brick Company, and we were ready to deliver.
The Project
Manchester Brick identified a gap in the market: the absence of a dedicated brick showroom in the North of England. The company recognised Manchester’s unique position, with its rich industrial heritage and growing reputation for modern architecture. Their goal was to establish a showroom that would showcase bricks suitable for both historical renovations and contemporary buildings, supporting Manchester’s ambition to develop a skyline comparable to London’s.
Manchester Brick approached Ripple Group in 2023, requesting bespoke brick cut-out displays. This initial collaboration laid the foundation (pun intended) for a strong working relationship and led to the latest collaboration: the Ancoats showroom.
Ripple was tasked with creating a modern, high-end showroom that not only embodied Manchester’s industrial heritage but also took customers on a journey. The design needed to incorporate breakout rooms for more intimate, one-on-one consultations, and provide spaces where architects could easily set up a base, allowing them to work while in the showroom. Reflecting on the city’s industrial past and modern aspirations, Ripple focused on delivering a design that balanced the past and future.
The Design
The client had a clear vision for their showroom, which allowed Ripple to dive straight into creating 3D renders and technical designs. Working from Manchester Brick’s initial brief and a few inspirational images, the design team quickly produced layout plans that the client was happy with. From there, consistent communication was maintained throughout the 16-week project, ensuring every detail aligned with the client’s expectations.
The design team also explored various material finishes that would honour the Royal Mill building’s history, experimenting until they found the perfect fit. Once these finishes were finalised, the team moved on to 3D visualisations, while the technical designers stress-tested prototypes to ensure the shelves displaying the bricks could hold the necessary weight without compromising on stability. The technical team gave the green light after successful testing, and the final plans were sent to the client for approval moving the project moving the project into the manufacturing and installation phase.
Installation and Launch
A key challenge in this project was exposing the original red brick ceilings to reflect their industrial brand and the historic character of the Royal Mill building. The ceiling had been plastered flat, hiding the true arched structure beneath, which posed logistical difficulties. After careful consideration, the team overcame these obstacles with two weeks of sandblasting to reveal the original arches.
The official launch took place on the 11th of September, with Ripple in attendance. The event was well-received, with visitors across Manchester admiring the modern aesthetics and industrial heritage. Seeing customers engage with the displays was a proud moment for all involved, and it was a rewarding conclusion to months of collaboration and hard work.
This is a reflection of Ripple’s commitment to quality, innovation, and client-first design. Through a deep understanding of our client’s needs and the seamless coordination of design, manufacturing, and installation, Ripple continues to create showrooms that engage and inspire.
