But the brick is also challenging because the material is very energy-intensive to produce. It is precisely this paradox which lies at the heart of Bricks in Common. Hence, the pavilion takes the form of three pairs of intersecting arches of different sizes – but each with roughly the same carbon footprint: Approx. one ton CO2eq. The smallest arch is made of a traditional, solid and energy-intensive brick while the medium arch reflects the discourse around transition, using the latest and most climate-friendly machine-moulded brick on the market.

The middle arch has 50% less carbon emissions compared with the smaller arch, and thus shows how it is in fact already possible to achieve reductions. The largest arch marks an ambition to achieve reductions of 75% compared with the smallest arch – the same reduction which the construction sector should achieve by 2030. The pavilion illustrates that brick is not just brick. When it comes to carbon emissions there is a huge difference between the many options on the market, even today. In order to attain the necessary reductions from brick as a building material in the future, we need to go beyond setting carbon emission requirements for new builds and also establish requirements for how materials are handled and reused.

The team behind “Bricks in Common” is a partnership representing all parts of the construction value chain - from the manufacturer to advisers and craftsmen. Egernsund Wienerberger and Gamle Mursten produced and delivered the brick, the Masons' Guild and apprentice masons from NEXT KBH build the pavilion, while the consultants, AART, NOAA and OJ Consulting Engineers designed it. All materials are selected with design for disassembly in mind. The suppliers will take back the materials and reuse them in future projects.