Long format bricks aren’t just a different size; they’re a completely different design tool for architects. When used well, they bring precision and identity to your architectural projects. Used poorly, they can feel flat or even awkward.
If you want to get real value out of them, you need to think beyond standard detailing.
Our team of Brick Experts have detailed 9 different design ideas for long format bricks that unlock the full design potential of long format brick for maximum impact in your projects.
1. Benefits of Random Bond
Uniformity can become repetitive, especially across larger buildings. Introducing controlled variation keeps things interesting. Random bond also allows for the wider tolerances and shape variation of many long format bricks.
Design tip: Vary joint alignment subtly, avoid obvious repetition and maintain an overall horizontal flow.
Why this works: You keep the clean aesthetic, but add enough variation to stop your facade from feeling mechanical.
2. Emphasize Horizontal Banding
Use long format bricks to create horizontal bands that visually “stretch” a building.
Design tip: Alternate your textures, colours, or joint profiles, introduce recessed or projected bands and break up massing on larger elevations.
This is best for: Residential blocks or commercial schemes where scale needs to be managed.
3. Minimalist Detailing
Long format bricks thrive in clean, uncluttered designs.
Design Tip: Reduce unnecessary trims and interruptions, use flush vertical joints to maintain horizontal flow, keep openings sharp and well-defined
Why it matters: The strength of long-form bricks lies in their proportion; by overcomplicating the design, you will weaken their visual impact.
4. Recessed and Projecting Brickwork
Flat walls are a missed opportunity with long bricks; by stepping bricks in and out, you introduce depth and shadow that change throughout the day.
Design Tip: Recessed sections create shadow lines and visual breaks, projecting bricks can add texture and a tactile quality, which works especially well across large facades.
Why it matters: Long bricks exaggerate horizontal lines, adding depth and stopping things from feeling too one-dimensional.
5. Vertical Brick Layouts
Turning long format bricks vertically immediately shifts the visual language. What was calm and horizontal becomes bold and expressive.
Design Tip: Creates strong vertical emphasis, breaks up long elevations, and adds contrast within a scheme.
Where to use it: Feature panels, entrances, or to frame key architectural elements.
6. Recessed Mortar Joints
This is one of the simplest ways to elevate long format brickwork, and one of the most overlooked.
Design Tip: Deepened joints create sharp shadow lines, enhances the length and definition of each brick, gives a crisp, high-end finish.
Why it matters: With long bricks, joints are more visible. Treat them as a design feature, not just a necessity.
7. Accentuate Arches With Long Format Bricks
Arches are often softened with traditional bonding, but long bricks give you a chance to do something sharper.
Design Tip: Laying bricks vertically around an arch accentuates the curve and geometry. Create a striking contrast with the surrounding horizontal brickwork and gives a more contemporary interpretation of a classic feature.
Result: The arch becomes a focal point, not just an opening.
8. Emphasise a soldier course detail
A soldier course detail creates a bold visual contrast to the dominant horizontal lines of long format brickwork. Used selectively, it can introduce a sharper point of focus and help frame openings, edges or transitions within your facade.
Design Tip: Use soldier courses to highlight entrances, parapets or window heads for a cleaner, more precise finish.
Why it matters: The shift in direction creates visual tension and gives the facade another layer of architectural interest without disrupting the overall design language.
9. Introduce hit and miss brickwork
Hit and miss brickwork is a strong way to break up large facades while introducing light, shadow and depth. With long format bricks, this approach can feel especially refined, creating a contemporary screen-like effect across the elevation.
Design Tip: Use hit and miss areas selectively to create visual relief, define feature zones or soften larger expanses of brickwork.
Why it matters: As well as adding texture and movement, hit and miss brickwork can also deliver practical benefits such as ventilation, making it both a design feature and a functional detail.
Project Design Ideas For Long Format Bricks
Long format bricks can have a strong visual impact when they are used with care and considered detailing. Their elongated proportions naturally draw attention to lines, joints and pattern, which means even subtle design decisions can have a noticeable effect on the finished result.
For architects looking to create something more distinctive, long format bricks offer more than a different proportion. They provide an opportunity to shape facades with greater rhythm, depth and character through thoughtful specification and design.
When used well, long format bricks can help create elevations that feel refined, contemporary and confident. The difference often comes from how the format is applied, and how far the design is developed to make the most of its architectural potential.
If you are considering long format bricks for your next project, contact our team of brick experts to discuss your brick design ideas, product options and specification requirements.