Hit and Miss Brickwork

Over recent years there has been a trend towards hit and miss brickwork in the UK. The effect can be interesting due to the play with light and texture when dividing space both internally and externally. This brickwork detail is also practical providing ventilation in areas such as gas or bin stores. But although this brickwork design has been used extensively in sunnier climates most project requirements are unique and therefore need to be explored early in the design process.

The Hit And Miss Brickwork Finish

The aesthetic possibilities are exciting. Consider stacking 2 or 3 linear bricks to make the effect more dramatic, incorporate projecting headers, lay bricks vertically or use 2 different brick sizes.

Technical Considerations Of Hit And Miss Brickwork

Consultation is advised for the durability of any brick chosen as most bricks are not tested for exposure on bed which will be open to the elements with this detail. More durable wirecut bricks will need to be made as solids if you don’t want to see the perforations in the brick. Or choose a waterstruck brick which are solid as standard and have a slightly better water absorption and durability than most stock bricks.

A structural engineer should be consulted as reinforcement may be required. A rebar can run vertically through pre-drilled bricks with the holes filled with mortar. Alternatively, there are bespoke structural solutions supplied from a few manufacturers.

In general, proceed with caution and engage with this area early due to the potential for purpose made solutions.

Hit And Miss Brickwork Examples From Abroad

Bardolph Gardens

These two single storey houses located in suburban Melbourne, Australia were designed by Breathe Architecture and they serve as rental housing. A considered roof pitch and external steel awning help maximise solar gain in winter whilst providing abundance of light in the living areas through north facing glazing. Hit-and-miss screens are used to create smaller courtyards and to dapple light to adjacent bedrooms and bathrooms.

Khesh-Baf House

This interesting airy house is located in Tehran, Iran and designed by IMAGE ARCHITECTS. The building consists of four floors, two of which are underground and used for swimming pool, gym, parking lot, storage room and mechanical room. The first and second floors are residential units designed to be used for two families. The hit-and-miss pattern walls were used for separating the interior and exterior spaces and to provide more privacy for the two families. Movable partitions inside the house are used to separate the living and dining room space and they give the users the possibility to make the space smaller or larger, depending on the requirements and capacity.

Omah Boho

This unique house with great brick detail in both the house exterior and interior is located in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. On the client´s request, the architects wanted to maintain Indonesia vibes in the house. Java has a rich red brick architecture history, so the architects have decided to use various red brick patterns throughout the house. Some of the brick arrangement in this house is taken from Batik motives and used for wall and floor brick tectonics.