As a construction material that dates back to around 7,000 BC, bricks can be used in numerous different ways that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Though the form of a single brick is simple, modern architects have found a variety of brave new ways to build with it. Here are some interesting homes where the ingenuity of this humble material prevails.

And make sure to read our guide on the pros and cons of exposed brick and how to take care of it. As is the case with most materials, it's important to know its inherent characteristics and the responsibilities that come along with preserving it.

Knitted-Brick Facade in Belgium

Honeycomb-Brick Facade in Chicago

Glass, Steel, and 19th-Century Brick Come Together

Five Colors of Brick on a Renovated Bungalow

Preserved Brick Inside a Miller’s House From 1844

Picture-Perfect Viewing Onto a Brick Courtyard

A Twisted, Bark-Like Facade in Korea

Exposed Brick That Extends Inside to Out

Growing From a Ground of Red Brick

Weathered Brick Canvas in a Transformed Restaurant