A simple clay brick became something extraordinary in the hands of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Between 1928 and 1930, he designed Haus Lange and Haus Esters for two textile industrialists, Hermann Lange and Josef Esters. These neighbouring residences, located in the German city of Krefeld, are icons of modernist architecture, blending van der Rohe’s uncompromising precision with a warmth rarely associated with his work. Built in brick – a departure from the steel and glass palette with which he would later become synonymous – the houses were designed as frameworks for displaying contemporary art.

The buildings, constructed in deep red and brown brick, are enclosed at the front but punctured at the back by floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding gardens. The nuanced texture of the brick creates a sense of depth, while the precise interplay of light on its surfaces shifts throughout the day. These design details were deliberate choices, informed by van der Rohe’s belief in “less is more” – a philosophy centred on clarity, structure and material integrity.

For Domani, this setting represents a dialogue between our collections, which echo the earthy tones and textures of the brick, creating a natural resonance between architecture and object. The presence of the planters introduces a softer dimension, creating a quiet balance to the structured precision of Van der Rohe’s design.