So, you’ve chosen to use glazed bricks for your next project.
You’re set on your façade system and you’re ready to experiment with the aesthetics of the structure.
To achieve the design you want, and really stand out from the crowd, you will need to consider the size, shape, and colour of glazed brick you’re using.
By doing the appropriate research into the various options available to you from suppliers, and into your pricing options, you can explore design possibilities that are compatible with your project.
In this blog, you will learn more about each variable design feature of glazed bricks and how these can be used to create unique designs.
Size Differentiation In Glazed Bricks
Different sized glazed bricks are used in conjunction with one another to create patterns and dimension on a project.
As well as this, brick size can have a direct impact on installation times and budget, which might influence which brick sizes architects specify.
For example, brick slips are a popular choice due to their lightweight physicality. This allows less time needed to be allocated for building and lifting is kept to a minimum. For architects up against a tight time scale, specifying this size of brick can be beneficial.
Most commonly, however, the size of the brick is chosen for aesthetic purposes.
Long format bricks can create long lines on certain parts of a structure, either to create an illusion of height, or to add definition to certain areas of a façade by elongating the structure.
Alternatively, UK standard glazed bricks, or brick slips, can be used to focus the eye on a certain section of the building. Often this is a technique used to add contrast from other textures such as stock bricks, or to highlight areas of the building such as windows and doors on the structure.
Different sized bricks can also be used to create patterns on façades. The contrasting shapes can draw the eye to see certain patterns on the façade, which can either be enhanced with colouring or kept simple by using varying sizes.
Different Shape Choice Available In Glazed Bricks
There are commonly two separate drivers for shape choice: using functional shaping to adapt to systems, and using shapes to create texture and patterns.
Using functional shaping describes when architects choose to use special shaped slips, such as a pre-cast dovetail key glazed brick, for pre-cast or a unique backing shape for mechanical fixed aluminium rail systems.
Our brick slips supply partner Rairies Montrieux are experts in manufacturing different backing shapes for the same aesthetic finish. This allows an architect to specify an aesthetic whilst allowing the contractor choice of multiple systems.
The second reason it’s beneficial for architects to explore with the shaping of glazed bricks is that you can create texture on a premises using shape differentiation.
Glazed bricks come in a wide selection of shapes varying from triangle, to concave and convex, to waves and many more.
Using different shapes on a build enables you to create texture, whether this is flat laying or projecting brick detail. This is a popular option for those wanting to create a modern and unique project that catches the eye of passers-by, or to create contracts to other materials and areas of a building.
Glazed Brick Colour Choice And How To Use It
As modern buildings are becoming more colourful, many brick manufacturers are offering a wide variety of colour options, from white brick slips to those in bold colours.
Many architects are looking to specify coloured bricks on their projects to make their buildings come to life. Whether you’re adding a small amount of colour to add dimension to a natural façade, or creating a more vivid project, glazed brick colours are there to be experimented with.
Raires Montrieux use traditional methods, such as brick slip layout in the kiln and glazing bricks using natural pigments, which means their brick slips and glazed products remain authentic.
However, choosing colour for a glazed brick project doesn’t always need to be about using bold shades. For example, natural terracotta colours, created using natural clay colour with additives , and then by applying a clear glaze are a popular choice for those wanting a more subtle and traditional finish.
Darker shades such as grey, black and metallic shading are also a popular option for 2023 buildings – so don’t be afraid to look to the dark side for your next project.
Glazed Brick Design Possibility
Incorporating all of these design factors into your project will allow you to create a completely unique building.
Take Brandon Street, London as an example.
On this project, hexagonal shaped glazed bricks were used to create a completely unique façade.
The colours of the bricks add to the wave effect of the façade and help to brighten the building. There are a total of 27 different colours of glazed brick used here that bring the building to life.
In comparison, combining different coloured glazed bricks with texture is a popular technique being used in modern buildings. For example, sawtooth bricks with a glazed finish has been a popular choice in recent years.
Combining glazed colour and texture is definitely something that will be explored by architects in upcoming years as the design options of glazed bricks continue to expand.
Exploring Colour, Size And Shape Of Glazed Bricks
Each of these design factors can have huge effects on the aesthetic of your buildings.
You just need to know how to use them, what the trends are, and how to best execute them depending on your specific project.
By experimenting with colour, size, and shape of glazed bricks, the design opportunities for your project are endless.
Either used to your best ability singularly, such as designing a colourful building with traditionally shaped brick, or combining the different design elements, unlocking your glazed brick design potential is an exciting project opportunity.
If you are unsure where to begin with exploring glazed brick options, Creative Brick Solutions has an array of products listed to assist you in choosing the best design feature for you.
By getting in touch with our experts, you can get support from pricing advice through to brick supplying to be confident that your project is using glazed bricks in the best way.