People spend thousands of rupees on air conditioners and coolers to keep their homes cool in the summer. Furthermore, many opt for expensive flooring, the installation of which costs millions. However, there is an ancient Indian method of combating heat that is almost forgotten in modern homes.
This refers to red brick flooring. Brick, which is usually only used for building walls, can provide a feeling of coolness underfoot in the summer with proper laying. This brick, hidden behind plaster in traditional houses, can be beautifully laid to create a stylish floor capable of cooling the room without using air conditioners or coolers. Moreover, its appearance fits well into a modern interior.
The red bricks used for building structures are made from natural components such as clay, water, and sand. They are shaped into molds, dried in the sun, and then fired in a kiln. The red color of the brick is due to the iron content in the clay, which becomes apparent after firing. This same red brick, intended for walls, can also be used to create a floor.
The specialty of this material lies not only in its natural and rustic appearance. It can be laid in various patterns, allowing the floor to be very stylish. Thus, even using the same type of brick, changing the design radically changes the look of the entire space.
It is incorrect to assume that laying brick will be boring if it is simply laid in a row. Red brick can be placed not only in a straight line; it can be laid in a 'herringbone' pattern, imitating fish bones, in a 'basket weave' design, or diagonally. This is why some architects and design studios continue to use this old material in modern homes, giving it a new look.
The red color of the brick gives the house warmth and a connection to the earth, while the correct pattern can make it quite modern. This material looks particularly attractive in courtyards, verandas, open areas, and semi-open spaces.
The question of how this floor can remain cool in the heat is related to the nature of the brick itself. Unlike stone or other types of flooring, raw brick absorbs water and moisture more easily. Therefore, in the past, the courtyards of houses were often watered, which reduced the heating of the floor and cooled the surrounding environment.
When water enters the brick and gradually evaporates into the air, some heat leaves the surface. This allows the floor to feel cool, as water evaporation contributes to natural cooling.
Another advantage of red brick flooring is its high durability. If you choose good quality brick and lay it with a proper base, leveling, and grouting, it can last for many years. This is why such floors, associated with clay and brick, can be found for a long time in old Indian houses, mansions, and courtyards.
Nevertheless, before laying, it is necessary to carefully choose a suitable method considering the room, drainage, humidity, and intended use. It is not necessary for all rooms to have the same brick covering.
Once, brick flooring was common in courtyards and verandas. Then, coverings such as marble, granite, and tiles gained popularity, and red brick gradually became limited only to walls. However, now, against the backdrop of a growing trend towards using natural and untreated materials in interior design, red brick has once again become a topic of discussion. Many architects use it as a way to integrate into modern design, bringing back an element we considered outdated as a stylish feature of a modern home.