How brick specials can add texture to a facade
Brick specials have been a part of architectural design for centuries. Our towns and cities in the UK are a testament to the rich heritage of stunning and unique brickwork. Thanks to their strength, durability, and versatility, brick specials remain a favoured choice for architects aiming to push creative boundaries.
Our latest blog explores the design potential of special shape bricks for creating texture on facades and the aesthetic and practical considerations involved.
Beyond functionality: Using British standard specials creatively
British standard brick specials are often used for practical purposes, such as in wall cappings, plinths, and brick details like arches. However, they can also serve more creative roles. Since they are standardised, their cost is lower compared to bespoke designs, making them an attractive option for innovative applications.
For instance, Sheffield Hallam University uses cant bricks to form patterned recesses on its facade, adding both visual interest and depth. Similarly, radial bricks can create sweeping curves, while bullnose bricks soften edges, introducing a tactile element to walls. These bricks combine functionality with sculptural beauty, allowing facades to play with light, shadow, and texture. Adding patterns and complementary colour schemes can further amplify their visual impact.
Decorative brick specials: Expanding design possibilities
In recent years, architects have explored brick shapes beyond British Standards. Popular options include sawtooth, wave, triangular, concave, and convex bricks. These brick special shapes unlock endless creative possibilities:
- Geometric Patterns: Arranging bricks into repeating shapes, such as triangles, diamonds, or waves, can create striking visual effects. For example, sawtooth bricks used sparingly in the Rairies project Villa Lumea, Pantin demonstrates how alternating special shapes with standard bricks adds subtle variation.
- Organic Textures: Special shapes like wave bricks or concave and convex slips can mimic natural patterns, such as ripples or dunes, creating a harmonious and organic feel.
The advancements in 3D printing have further broadened the possibilities by enabling complex, intricate designs to be incorporated into brick shapes with ease.
Highlighting key building features with special shapes
Special shape bricks can accentuate key architectural features, such as windows, entranceways, or reception areas:
- Around Windows: Designing the space next to, above, or below windows with special bricks creates unique focal points. Lightweight solutions for areas above windows can be found in cladding systems.
- Entrances and Reception Areas: Bold designs using convex special brick slips, as seen in the marketing suite of a Wembley apartment block, can deliver a striking “wow factor.”
- Colour-Coded Design: Combining special shapes with varying colours can differentiate buildings. For instance, the Olympic Village in Paris employs pink triangle slips, blue convex bricks, red tiles, and white slips to help users identify structures easily – e.g., “the pink building with triangles.”
Creating motifs and intricate designs
Special shape bricks can act as “pixels” to depict images, motifs, or abstract patterns. A noteworthy example is the Queen’s Memorial, which won the 2023 Brick Awards for its use of Ketley specials to create a detailed and meaningful design.
Combining colour and texture
The interplay of colour and texture can elevate special brick designs:
- Glazed Bricks: These offer a glossy, reflective finish that contrasts beautifully with matte bricks.
- Mortar Colors: Using contrasting or complementary mortar can emphasise the shape and layout of special bricks.
Practical considerations
While special shape bricks offer immense design potential, their higher cost compared to standard bricks requires careful planning. Establishing budgets early in the design process ensures that these elements are viable throughout the project, reducing the risk of value engineering later.
Creating texture using brick specials, the conclusion from our team
Special shape bricks are a powerful tool for creating textured facades that stand out. This blog from our team has highlighted their aesthetic versatility and practical benefits, offering inspiration for how they can be used to bring depth, character, and uniqueness to a building’s design.
To explore further possibilities, check out our other architectural brick blogs on bond patterns and projections or book on a brick slips CPD session with experts to learn more. Get in touch with us to get personalised brick consultation support.