Due to the increasing popularity of using brickwork design to create textured brick facades on buildings, we’ve seen a growing number of more complex designs being specified in recent years.
As bond patterns and textures go hand in hand, we thought we’d delve into how bond patterns directly create textured building design when combined with projecting or recessed brickwork. In this blog, we’ll look at a variety of bond patterns and provide some practical information to help assist specifiers both in terms of design and practical application.
Designing with Depth: Exploring Textured Brick Facades
When designing textured brick facades, it’s essential to consider the broader architectural context. The texture should align seamlessly with the building’s overall style, whether modern, traditional, or industrial.
During the design process, it is important to determine the extent and placement of textured areas. This can be as an entire facade, a feature wall or textured accents within the brickwork. It is best to think about what scale will complement the building’s proportions.
When deciding about the scale of the feature, consider the facade area and how this will benefit the building’s size and human interaction in the space.
You may choose to use consistent patterns for a uniform look or vary the repetition for a more dynamic appearance. Brick bonds are an essential building block to specifying textured brickwork.
Classic Bond patterns as a basis for creating texture
Let’s take a closer look at some commonly used bond patterns that serve as the foundation for textured brickwork:
Stretcher Bond: A classic and standard brick arrangement.
Flemish Bond: Alternates between stretchers and headers for a balanced texture.
Stack Bond: Aligns bricks vertically and horizontally, creating a clean, grid-like appearance.
Herringbone: A zigzag pattern that adds dynamic visual movement.
Some other options to consider are also:
Basketweave: Forms small square groupings, resulting in compact, textured visuals.
Random Bond: Particularly suited for long-format bricks with variable tolerances, offering a less rigid aesthetic.
Once you’ve decided on a bond pattern, you can further explore how projecting and recessed brickwork can enhance texture and add depth.
Combining bond patterns, projections and recessed brickwork
When a bond pattern is combined with projections and recesses, things start to get interesting; here are some built examples.
Projecting Brickwork headers often use a Flemish bond to regular alternating bricks that protrude outward.
Sometimes the more common Stretcher bond is used, and the stretcher of the brick is projected or recessed, which creates texture without requiring substantial design changes.
Stack bonding headers can be used to create geometric designs, waves, or abstract textures. This example of triangle brick slips shows how Stack bonding a shape can have a dramatic effect.
Combining multiple bond patterns within the same facade or creating bespoke band patterns can also have a dramatic effect when projects are added into the design mix.
Random bonds can work really well when specifying long-format bricks. When combined with projections and recesses, it makes really interesting effects possible.
We have included details below of a recent project from our manufacturing partner using Brut De Four Long format bricks.
Brut De Four Bricks: Terres Brunes Residence, Saint-Malo
The Terres Brunes Residence in Saint-Malo features stunning brickwork. This design highlights the creative possibilities of projecting and recessed bricks. Layering bricks so that each row slightly overhangs the one below can form angled or curved features like arches or wave patterns.
See more of the stunning Brickwork Design Possibilities with Rairies Montreux Bricks.
Aesthetic Considerations
When incorporating texture into brickwork, several aesthetic factors should be considered:
Shadow Play: Projections can be designed to maximise the interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and intrigue.
Spacing and Patterns: Be deliberate with spacing and repetition to create a cohesive texture or pattern.
Proportion and Scale: Ensure projections are proportionate to the overall facade for balanced aesthetics.
Technical considerations when specifying projects
Brick Selection
Choose bricks with low water absorption and high strength to withstand increased exposure. Solid bricks are ideal for emphasizing dramatic projections. Note that some manufacturers may not warranty bricks exposed in this manner, so consult experts like Creative Brick Solutions for guidance.
Mortar Color
Choose a mortar colour that complements the brickwork and enhances the visual effect of the projections. Contrasting mortar colours will highlight individual brick more clearly.
Structural Integrity
You will need to work with structural engineers to ensure your design can support the weight and forces exerted by projecting elements.
Keep projections within safe limits, typically no more than one-third of the brick’s width unless additional support is provided.
Reinforce when it is necessary by using hidden steel brackets, concrete backing, or stainless-steel ties for added stability if projections are significant. We would also recommend that you tie projections back, ensuring the projecting bricks are adequately tied back to the main wall structure.
Water and staining
Installing drip edges on larger projections can direct water away from the wall and prevent pooling. Sloped projections angle the tops of projecting bricks slightly to shed water and can reduce any stagnation.
Thermal Expansion
Account for movement by designing suitable movement joints to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, especially in larger facades. More complex designs may need more regular joints.
Creating texture in brick facades, our conclusion
Creating texture with bond patterns and projecting brickwork involves a mix of thoughtful design, creative use of materials, and precise execution.
To ensure the best results on site, you should build small-scale prototypes to test the projections’ visual effect and structural performance, using skilled labour with expertise.
You can contact our team to discuss any design projects that you are planning. Fill in our contact form to get in touch with one of our brick experts directly today, or book one of our brick slip CPD Seminars to build your knowledge.