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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS In support of brick’s appeal
Bricks, in conjunction with innovative masonry support systems, are building on their appeal as architects increasingly specify them across a wide range of new buildings. IG Masonry Support’s Andy Sharlot explains
M
odern brick slip products enable the creation of bespoke brickwork detailing around
windows, doors and soffits, and intricate patterns that blend seamlessly throughout a facade, creating an aesthetic that is stand out, rather than staid. Brick has a timeless appeal as a go-to building cladding material, and here we highlight how its potential to fulfil the most far-reaching architectural ambition is only limited by a designer’s imagination. There is a saying: ‘form is temporary, class is permanent.’ This implies that something of real stature will never lose its quality, and this is certainly the case with
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brick. One of our oldest, most traditional building materials is undergoing something of a renaissance, as designers become aware of its ability to provide great kerb appeal, as well as long-term structural integrity. The return to more durable materials such as brick and stone comes at the expense of solutions such as render and cedar cladding. For a time, these more modern systems were viewed as a quick and effective method of creating an attractive looking facade but as property owners will testify, it only takes one or two wet, inclement UK winters to render them far less desirable. Thus brick’s recurring appeal, as seen in Britain since Roman times; its excellent weathering properties ensure buildings will look as natural and impressive many decades post-construction. The additional remedial work and maintenance incurred to keep a non-brick facade looking attractive does not play well in terms of sustainability. It results in more energy usage, material wastage and cost. But it’s brick’s evolution as a conduit to buildings that inspire, as well as protect, that is finding increasing favour with designers. In the previous century, pragmatism took precedence in brickwork design, with large swathes of the UK’s housing stock bearing a homogenised look. While speed of delivery, rather than aesthetic quality was doubtless a priority when reconstructing towns and cities as part of the post-war housebuilding boom, Britain’s building supply chain was not availed of the technology and tools to veer far from a one-size-fits-all approach to larger scale projects.
Masonry support – constructing a new era of brickwork design The development of masonry support has propelled brick to a new stratosphere in terms of design possibility. The advance of brick slip soffits for instance, means modern shadow and lighting techniques can be used to ingenious effect and create wonderful
ADF JANUARY 2024
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