51. Brutalism

51a. Brutalism (Niagara-on-the Lake)

Brutalism homes are very rare. At the moment I know of only one of them and it resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Due to the heavy foliage around the house the picture doesn't adequately show the style.To get around this I am going to display other forms of buildings that have used this style.

The Brutalism style was started by the Smithson Brothers of England in the 1950's. (It is rumoured that the style's unusual name 'Brutalism' came into being because the style's primary proponent, Peter Smithson, was nicknamed 'Brute' due to the fact that his profile resembled the famous/infamous Roman).

51b. Brutalism

51c. Brutalism

The two sites above are both from Brantford, Ontario; The City Hall and the Ontario Court of Justice.

What to look for (clues)

- Asymmetrical and massive in appearance.
- Large, gray, flat, cement walls where the forms of the original supports give a permanent form or texture to the walls (beton breut).
- Doorways and windows are usually rectangular or square in shape and are often deeply recessed.
- Cement 'sunshades' often border both sides of the windows. The overall effect can have an 'egg-crate' appearance.
- The roofs are flat.
- There are virtually no decorations added to this rather stark style other than the horizontal lines cut into the cement.
- Oval or round 'silo-like' structures may also appear.

The Brutalism style has been described as "suggestive of massive sculptures' which I feel is an apt description.

51d. Brutalism (Waterloo) - University of Waterloo library

51e. Brutalism (n. of Magog, Que. )- Music School

Where to find it

Brutalism is relatively common as government, university or insurance buildings.

(p.s. Please inform me if you aware of any other Brutalism homes.)