"bricks"

Ancon designed and manufactured the complex stainless steel brick support and restraint system behind the complicated façade of the award-winning LSE Saw Swee Hock Student Centre. The attractive masonry façade uses 175,000 handmade bricks to form both solid and perforated areas. The Ancon stainless steel system comprises special inclined MDC type brick support angles fixed back to 30/20 cast-in channels and bespoke rolled hollow section Windposts, featuring surface-fixed channels to accept wall ties, positioned at mullion locations strategically hidden within the perforated brickwork.

The Tree House is a new build two bedroom house in London Ealing. Using primarily three exterior materials: grey brick, black timber and anthracite metalwork, the palette is simple where the rough brick contrasts the sharp black detailing. The simplicity and rawness of finishing is carried through to the internal fit out where brick walls, bespoke ash joinery, terrazzo tiles and delicate metal balustrades contribute to a comprehensive and confident vision. The Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood design line complements the interior design with its natural materials perfectly.Architect: Fletcher Crane ArchitectsPhotography by: Lorenzo Zandri

The Dunleer Housing Development, Co. Louth, is one of six sites being developed by John Sisk and Sons using AG facing brick.The Ravel Grange development was built in a single phase and consists of 80 social houses – mainly 3 bedroom two storeys and a small number of bungalows. Woodward brick in Edenmore Smooth was chosen due to its clean crisp edges and subtle tonal range.It is part of a project spanning across 6 sites, with 1.8million bricks. Various Woodward colours and finishes were selected across the sites. Availability, consistency, and competitiveness were some of the key attributes for choosing AG.

Duke Court is a development of 37 affordable homes for rent, built on the site of Fred Styles House, formerly a sheltered housing block, providing 42 bedsits, that had been empty since 2013. The development is part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s commitment to delivering new high-quality homes and sustainable communities.The new development of 29 houses, 7 flats and 1 maisonette creates a pretty neighbourhood of terraced houses running along Charlton Church Lane, and a series of mews streets which run perpendicular connecting into the urban fabric behind the site. Glazed screens lead into a generous open plan kitchen dining room. Stairs lead up to bedrooms and to a light and airy open plan living room with fully glazed screens leading out onto a secluded sun trap roof terrace.The buildings along Charlton Church Lane alternate in height between two, and three storeys. The houses are built from a beautiful soft and rustic brick that helps ensure that the new homes feel embedded and ‘worn in’ to the surrounding area. The brick selected was Forterra’s Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend. Its varied tone is important for ensuring the new homes do not feel too monolithic adding visual interest, factors that were integral to reassuring planners that the brick would be sensitive to its surrounding context.Low cost, robust but high quality brick detailing is integral to the project. Traditionally built brick arches front a number of the homes and help create a semi-private space where people can put out pots and plants, wellies and umbrellas etc. Snapped headers create tightly curved external walls where the site requires thinner accommodation. Other brick details include projecting brick surrounds to pop-up windows, arched window heads, soldier and header courses, articulated parapets and beautiful angled window reveals on prominent corners.

Kings Cairn is a bespoke residential property situated in a unique and prestigious development in East Lothian. Taylor Maxwell worked closely with the client, architects and main contractors Prime Property Ventures to specify and supply facing bricks, Pro Clad brick cladding, Anvil metal cladding and wet cast stone (manufactured by Vobster Architectural) to the property.

Topping out at 64m tall, Furnival Square hosts a brand new £35 million, 445 bedroom, purpose built student accommodation building on a prime site in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, adjacent to the Sheffield Hallam University campus.Built by McAleer & Rushe and aptly named the ‘The Gate’, the 22 storey building offers modern, quality student accommodation to support Sheffield’s thriving higher education sector. The building is designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, developed and detailed by TODD Architects using the latest in Revit and BIM technologies.The specification called for the use of special bricks that gave depth and texture to the external skin. The 22 storey student accommodation tower also had to comply with all current Building Height Regulations for residential use and the construction team was faced with the considerable additional challenge of completing the build during global pandemic restrictions.Ash & Lacy provided over 4,000m2 of the fully-tested noncombustible, mechanically-fixed NaturAL-X brick cladding system, suitable for residential buildings above 18m tall. The system is also CWCT A1-rated and BBA certified (20/5773). Brick choice was SD102 from the Simplicity range.This lightweight system offers fast and simple installation and enabled a large amount of labor to be completed offsite, improving time efficiencies on site and facilitating just in time delivery.Over 50,000 cut and bonded corner bricks were manufactured at our in house facility, creating the deep castellating reveals that sweep across the building elevations. Soffit bricks were designed and manufactured to return underneath window heads, providing a realistic genuine brick aesthetic at key interfaces, achieving the original design intent.

The new build St George’s Quay student accommodation is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project in Lancaster, which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.In a prominent waterfront setting on the edge of the River Lune and built on the site of the former St George’s Mill, the St George’s Quay development comprises four student accommodation blocks, ranging from three to six storeys, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.PROJECT INFOThe buildings are modelled around the existing industrial architecture of the site. The client used a mix of materials, including brickwork that reflects the local vernacular and Corten steel cladding to emphasise the site’s industrial history.In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, and on-site parking.The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.The brick selected for the scheme is Belgravia Gault Blend, a buff, thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish that resembles a handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.

PANACEA homes are renowned for their stunning and unique property developments across Scotland with their most recent development ‘The Primary’ in Kirkintilloch using AG’s Woodward Lewis Antique Brick.The exclusive 15 home re-development of St Agatha’s primary school is located on Gartshore Road, Kirkintilloch Scotland. The contemporary styled new builds have taken centre stage within the school’s large ‘Playground’ using over 50,000 AG Woodward Brick. The sizeable former school playground provides the cul-de-sac setting for the six new build 3 bedroom semi-detached to a 4-bedroom detached houses.Award winning PANACEA Homes carefully selected Woodward Lewis Antique Brick to create characterful homes with The Primary development incorporating original aesthetics. The aim was to create a beautiful development whilst ensuring respect is paid to the traditional styling of the former school. Created using sharp design and a mixture of tumbled AG Woodward Brick with sleek modern rendering, these homes will make a unique design statement in the Kirkintilloch area.

The Challenge Hunter Street, Chester, is a new development of 77 student residential flats set over six floors, with ancillary and communal facilities, landscaping and car park. Located just within Chester’s city walls, in a redevelopment area, the site is in a prominent position next to the ring road. It is also next to a former Odeon cinema constructed in the 1930s, which has recently been renovated and extended to become the city’s thriving new arts centre, Storyhouse. The Solution It was important that the student accommodation reflect its surrounding environment and so cues for its design were taken from Storyhouse. The brick selected for the project was County Multi Smooth, which is a red, smooth textured, high quality facing brick that complements the modern aesthetic of the copper rainscreen cladding and through coat render used alongside. Extruded brick detailing was included to create a playful relationship with the recessed brick detailing of Storyhouse. The Benefits The use of County Multi Smooth served to connect the structure with the existing masonry buildings adjacent to it, helping to ground it in its environment.

GRCA Full member Telling Architecture Ltd demonstrates how innovative 21st Century Modern Methods of Construction can be used to replicate 19th Century, Victorian inspired architecture. The key to authenticity when replicating historic construction methods or styles, is care and attention to detail. Get it wrong and at best you create a poor pastiche of a bygone era. This was the challenge presented to Telling Architectural that required them to develop further the techniques they have already established and utilised in the design and manufacture of brick faced GRC, to create convincing complex 3D forms.This £300 million project nestled between iconic 21st century London landmarks including Tate Modern and The Shard, comprises mixed use buildings that provide offices, shops, gallery restaurant and cinema adjacent to the historic and world-famous food destination Borough Market.This project identifies heavily and sympathetically with its Victorian past. Brick railway arches have been re-purposed to integrate with the facades of retained warehouses in addition to new contemporary architecture that is weaved in amongst connecting pedestrianised yard spaces that creates a refined reimagining of a bygone age.Telling Architectural Ltd continue to innovate and develop the capabilities of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete. The addition of real brick facings provides the Architect/Specifier with a whole new range of possibilities that they can consider as a means to achieve their creative goals. There is a huge demand for the skills of a brick mason that can replicate the standard of detail and workmanship specific to this project. Unfortunately, as a result of an ageing workforce and low intake of new tradespeople, they are in short supply and come at a premium. The construction industry has had to evolve and adapt to find a solution to this problem, in addition to having to rethink its approach about the way we build. All these issues can be addressed and remedied by introducing off-site/premanufactured innovations that remove key elements off the critical path and in so doing deliver sustainable solutions in an on-time/just-in time basis.In most circumstances the go to solution would be to utilise traditional precast concrete, however using Brick Faced GRC provides significant savings in weight and use of raw material, which in turn can lead to further added benefits in both the extent of groundworks and design of the structural frame.  For Borough Yards London project, the challenge to fabricate masonry elements that include intricate features such as faceted columns utilising cant bricks, splayed sawtooth pattern beams with brick soffit returns, the term masonry cladding falls short in identifying what has been achieved on this project - this is façade engineering of an exceptional standard. Proof indeed of the opportunities Brick Faced GRC provides, not just for contemporary architectural styles, but also as a means to maintain and preserve a part of London’s Victorian Heritage.  Client: MB Bermondsey LtdMain Contractor: Wates ConstructionInstaller: LesteroseEngineer: EvolveArchitects: SPPARC ArchitectureScope of Work: 776m2 Brick Faced GRC Grade 18P  

The ChallengeThe design of two new two-storey, four-bedroomed homes with integral garages on the outskirts of Burnham village, Slough, was to be derived from the historical and varied architectural character of the surrounding area.The SolutionPROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILIt was important that the houses were not visually obtrusive in terms of height and detail. Their traditionally pitched roofs incorporate attractive half gable ends, and the front elevation includes detailed brickwork, stone cills and window heads.Forterra’s Hampton Rural Blend brick from the Ecostock range was selected for the build.The BenefitsEcostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

Factory fixed brick slip cladding to sheltered housing project

Wienerberger's Kempley Antique brick provides heritage and beauty for a stunning home.

Wienerberger’s Hathaway Brindled brick was used to harmonise this grand home's exterior.

The Burton Borough School development is a brand new sports hall for Burton Borough School in Newport, Telford. As this building will be used primarily by schoolchildren, it was especially important that it was built using a durable solution which can stand up not only against weather conditions, but is fully non-combustible.Ash & Lacy worked through Kynaston Contract Services with Pave Aways Building Contractors and TACP Architects to deliver for Telford & Wrekin Council a MechSlip façade employing Ibstock’s Himley Ebony Black brick. Developed in conjunction with Ibstock Kevington, MechSlip is a lightweight, mechanically fixed system that offers significant advantages including reduced installation times and associated costs, as well as being classified A1 (non-combustible) to EN 13501-1 fire testing standards by Exova Warringtonfire.This project shows some of the design versatility of MechSlip as well, with the projecting header pattern on the building’s front elevation being achieved by alternating between half bricks and full bricks to create a memorable impression which manipulates shadow well. MechSlip allows specifiers and architects to create distinctive façades thanks to the flexibility of different sizes of brick slips and choice of multiple colours and textures.As well as offering the reassurance provided by a mechanically-fixed design, MechSlip has been rigorously tested to the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology (CWCT) standards, for wind resistance, water tightness and impact resistance. The result is that it eliminates the weather dependency of traditional building methods without compromising on the choice of brick finish.

The ChallengeThe Kings Hill development, phase 3, is comprised of 132 new units ranging in scale from two-bedroomed apartments to five bedroomed houses, close to the village of West Malling, in Kent. The wider Kings Hill area is a mixed-use development of over 2,000 homes, commercial and retail space. It is situated on the site of the former RAF Kings Hill airfield, which has been developed over the last 25 years, and is noted for its rich, landscape-led design.The SolutionA more formal, urban design, the scheme provides a departure from earlier phases of Kings Hill by adopting a more contemporary architectural language, albeit one that still fits comfortably within its context.Extensive analysis of the conservation area in the nearby West Malling was undertaken and a contemporary interpretation of the predominantly brick Georgian architecture was proposed, with large windows and crisp minimal detailing, which was lifted and invigorated by extensive brick detailing referencing that found in the local vernacular.The brick chosen to complement the development’s architecture was Cathedral Cream, a buff, stock thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range.The BenefitsThe choice of Cathedral Cream helped to provide a contemporary architectural language that fits comfortably within its context.

Designed by AHR Architects, the new UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton has won numerous awards including the BCO National Awards Corporate Workplace Award and Best of the Best Award 2020 and a Regional RIBA Award, RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Client of the year 2019.The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. The UKHO is a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence and is located in Taunton, Somerset with a workforce of approximately 900 staff.We worked with the Architects, Client and Contractors to select one of our exclusive GeoBrick range for this prestigious project. The clean sleek lines and hardwearing stone finish provide a stunning façade to this landmark building. The warm texture of the brick also gives depth and character and softens the mass of the building.“The design principles of the building called for a linear brick which was modern and unique whilst complimenting the landscape and a variety of existing brick buildings surrounding the new HQ. The EH Smith Geobrick brindle bricks stood out from all the rest and we are delighted with the results. Personally, this is my favourite material used on this project!”- Johanna Funnell New Build Project Manager - UKHO

A combination of external wall insulation and resin brick slips from Sto has helped create a thermally-efficient and visually striking appearance for a £7.8m residential refurbishment project in London. Located on the Stockwell Park estate, Tyler House now benefits from the use of Sto resin brick slips which have been installed as the final façade finish, onto the company’s StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system. The Tyler House building is organised around a central courtyard, and houses 48 flats with one, two, three or four bedrooms. “The buildings underwent a significant amount of refurbishment in order to improve the living conditions of the residents, and providing effective thermal insulation was a key element in that process,” explains Richard Watson of project architects Rock Townsend. “The Sto solution allowed us to provide that insulation. We also wanted to add 13 additional flats and the Sto brick slips gave us the opportunity to create a dramatic new appearance for the existing parts of the building which would contrast with the rooftop extension.” The Sto materials were installed by Sto applicator Regency Plastering of Dartford. “The residents remained in their homes throughout, and there were no problems in installing the external insulation and brick slips whilst they were there,” explains Regency’s Paul Brown. The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K insulation system is ideal for refurbishment projects such as Tyler House. Its external installation means that insulation performance can be substantially upgraded without the loss of any living space inside the premises. Comprising mineral-fibre boards which deliver high thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection, the system also incorporates reinforcing layers to provide additional impact resistance. For this project the insulation was installed using StoLevell Uni adhesive and supplementary fixings to create a strong and reliable bond with the substrate. Designed specifically for use with Sto’s external wall insulation systems and StoRend systems, the Sto mineral brick slips used on Tyler House are manufactured from a rugged and durable synthetic render, and combine a realistic simulated brick appearance with reliable, weatherproof properties. They can be used to match the appearance of surrounding buildings without compromising on thermal insulation, or as in this case, to create dramatic and individual facades. For Tyler House they were specified in a white brick slip colour which contrasts with the new, rooftop extension. 

The Challenge Commissioned in north London in 2010, this new-build project within a conservation area needed to be discrete and respectful to fit in with the surrounding environment.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Moroccan Smooth Butterley Brick was used to adhere to the necessary requirements along with a pitched roof and flush and square bay windows.The BenefitsThe post-modernist build respects the immediate environment with regard to both material and form.This build was shortlisted for the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Individual Housing Development category.

High quality materials and building techniques have been used throughout the project to promote sustainability and longevity. This has often resulted in traditional materials being used in an unorthodox way to great effect – demonstrating a pioneering element to the architectural design throughout the project. This can be noted in the use of Wienerberger’s Ashington Red Multi bricks and special shaped single cants and single cant return bricks, while the beautifully mixed brown multi Gala Waterstruck pavers add a contrasting visual.

The ChallengePark View is a residential development of 175 units, including one and two-bedroomed apartments and three, four and five-bedroomed homes. The site sits alongside Saltwell Park, one of Britain’s finest Victorian parks. A conservation area, the design of the site sought to blend tradition with a modern urban feel.The local council required a premium finish for which the choice of brick would play an important part in achieving.The SolutionAfter reviewing several options, Forterra’s Southdown Multi from its Butterley brand range was chosen. It is a high-quality facing brick with a tumbled texture.For some plots on the site, the bricks were laid in an English Garden Wall bond, closely reflecting the brickwork of some of Saltwell Park’s buildings.Alongside modern features, such as rainscreen cladding projections and timber finishes, the development also includes a number of bespoke elements appropriate to the conservation area: reduced window reveals, timber doors and windows coloured in a modern dark grey, natural slate roof tiles, exaggerated roof pitches to accentuate prominent plots and full height feature windows.The BenefitsThe use of Southdown Multi brick has proven to be an effective choice in the successful blending of traditional and modern, ensuring the new development quickly settled within its surrounding environment.

Union Court is located in the Clapham area of South West London. It is made up of bright and varied workspaces to rent.Anton Boekhoudt of KEIM Mineral Paints was contacted by GPAD Architects as they were looking to update and change the façade of the building from a plain stock yellow brick colour. The architect wanted to use a breathable coating as a way of changing the appearance. Changes were also to be made to the window details and signage for the building along with new cladding areas. From their conversation an initial site unseen specification was produced.Following a site visit with the architect and Anton, sample trials commenced. Anton initially produced seven samples using KEIM Soldalit and KEIM Restauro Lasur in a selection of colours. Once GPAD Architects reviewed the samples, two further samples were applied on a larger scale. One sample with the mortar joints painted using KEIM Restauro Lasur and the other without. The preferred option was the brick faces painted only.KEIM Restauro Fixativ was applied to all brick faces and mortar joints. A 1:1 ratio mix of KEIM Restauro Lasur, in colour RB001, and KEIM Restauro Fixativ was then applied to the brick faces only. Two decorating companies worked on this project – Restore & Preserve and Chameleon Brickwork, who both used different techniques. Restore & Preserve used a spray technique after masking up all mortar joints, whereas Chameleon Brickwork hand painted each brick face. Both techniques have worked brilliantly, and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.Graeme Winestone of GPAD Architects commented “We are delighted with the service that KEIM offered, including plenty of colour choices and on-site samples that allowed us and the client to make an informed colour choice for the finish of the brickwork.The existing building was given a new lease of life by the use of KEIM Paints, creating a uniform brick colour which complemented the new façade alterations.Frequent site visits provided by KEIM gave us peace of mind with regards to surface preparation and application of the KEIM products producing a very satisfactory end results.”

The Craddockstown Housing Development, Naas, Co. Kildare, is one of six sites being developed by John Sisk and Sons using AG facing brick.Woodward Ashbrooke Antique was chosen for the Craddockstown development due to its rumbled finish and subtle tonal range.The detailed product knowledge offered to John Sisks team and backed up by support from our technical and production team made a real difference to the customer.AG’s 60 year guarantee was vital to Sisks and the willingness to develop bespoke colour blends for the project.John Donnellan, AG Regional Sales Manager, said:“We work very closely with Sisks and have supplied a number of their housing developments which are finished to a very high standard. The inclusion of AG Woodward Brick provided Sisks with the textured finish they were looking for, along with the technical performance that Woodward delivers.”John Sisk’s are very pleased with the outcome and are now looking at future projects using Woodward brick.

The ChallengeCalder Gardens is a mixed development of 37 units that includes terraced housing and three storey blocks designed around a central courtyard with clearly defined public and private spaces and integrated parking. It is part of Edinburgh City Council’s 21st Century Homes Small Sites Programme to deliver 40,000 affordable and mid-market houses across the city, on constrained plots within established communitiesIt was fundamental that the proposed development would integrate with, and have a positive impact on, the character of the local neighbourhood.The SolutionThe architectural style is stripped-back and uses a restricted, predominantly brick, palette of materials. The brick selected for the project was Village Harvest Multi, a high quality, light-textured, buff brick.The BenefitsBuilt on a brownfield site within the heart of a well-established community, the choice of materials used in the construction of Calder Gardens has ensured the development has quickly and beautifully integrated with its surrounding environment.

London-based architect, WHAT_Architecture has specified CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic as the ideal rainscreen cladding system for a new and unusual housing block in Peckham. Crucial to this decision was the system’s ease of installation and its natural aesthetic, which helped the contemporary design to also complement the surrounding and traditional urban landscape. We chose the CUPACLAD 101 Logic as its design layout also reflects that of the brick base, without actually using brick,” said Diana Kulacka, Project Architect from WHAT_Architecture.

The 18-storey Telereal development now known as The Helm, comprises 159 residential units, 2,800sqft of retail space and 37,000sqft of Grade A office and underground car parking, developed by Watkin Jones and utilising SPSenvirowall’s new and innovative Cavity System 1. The £300,000 façade package utilised a high-performing, buff flexible brick slip (SpeedySlip) and 100-150mm mineral wool to achieve a 0.20 u-value calculation. The application of brick slips to the Cavity System gives the Helm development a traditional and authentic finish desired by the client.

Utilising the same bricks as were being laid by the bricklayers to the masonry walls, FastClad supplied the cladding to the balconies so that there was a seamless match.Collecting bricks from site to ensure that they were from the same production run, the slips were cut and bonded to our profiled backing board at our Leicester factory.These boards were then returned to site for mechanical fix to the balcony structures and pointed in a lime mortar to match that of the cement mortar being used by the bricklayers at an off-site compound.The balconies were then craned into position and fixed to the structure.

For the construction of the Carmelite Monastery in Liverpool, the architects Austin-Smith Lord chose Wienerberger’s Con Mosso brick, due to its soft and textured appearance, which makes it equally suitable for internal as well as external use. On the façade, the appearance subtly changes according to the time of day and weather conditions; the changing shape of the shadows deliberately exudes a sense of calmness and tranquillity. This unique architectural design has captured the imagination of architects across the country indeed as much that it was awarded the Architect’s Choice award at the 2013 Brick Development Awards (BDA).

The ChallengeThe design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.The SolutionThe design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.The BenefitsThe architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Country Cobble Burren was paired with AG's Lyndhurst Antqie Woodward facing brick at Esmonde Avenue, Ballycarragh Road, Co. Kildare.

The stunning state-of-the-art, multi-level, Better New Addington Leisure & Community Centre, designed by GT3 Architects for the London Borough of Croydon features buff brick cladding with 3D- textured detailing thanks to external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems.The project was part of the Southern Construction Framework and followed a string of work carried out by Willmott Dixon for the Borough. It was also home to the building contractor’s first Building Lives Academy, aimed at upskilling young people in the area and providing them with an opportunity to join the construction industry.Originally, another brick cladding system was specified for use, however due to the complexity of the stepped window frame detailing, the additional cladding support rail cost, the time it would take to install, and a lack of product warranty from the supplier, an alternative cladding system was sought to meet the programme and budget.To resolve the challenge, Aquarian and specialist cladding contractor Express Dry Lining, part of Aquarian’s Approved Installer Network, worked closely together to achieve an acceptable finish to match the specified material, which suited the local vernacular thus meeting the aesthetic, programme, and commercial requirements.Peter Head, Director of Express Dry Lining said: “The design and installation support of Aquarian helped us ensure that all stakeholders were supported throughout the process of material selection, buildability, component production and assembly to achieve a photogenic building free of defects which will last. This is one of those projects to be proud of for a very long time.” In addition, the solution had to be a cladding system that used brick slips which could also be produced as standard bricks to build landscaping planters and achieve a seamless ‘hit-and-miss’ brick feature in the façade. As an innovative, panelised, insulating brick cladding system, which has been successfully tested to BS8414 on five separate occasions and has an EN13501 fire rating of B, s1, d0, Gebrik was perfect, with Aquarian supplying 1126m2 to the project.To achieve the 3D features in accordance with the architect’s design brief, eighteen different panel and corner components were produced, 25% of which were bespoke and therefore project-specific.The expertise of Express Dry Lining in the setting out of the substrate ensured the 60mm thick ‘brick wallpaper’ is consistent across the entire façade with perp joint alignment across both the stretcher and stack bond panels. And their attention to detail in ensuring the system was cleaned down after pointing ensured the façade was completed on time and to everyone’s satisfaction. The finished project was completed six weeks ahead of the revised programme with Gebrik significantly contributing to the speed of construction and reduction in programme, leading to significant cost benefits elsewhere. The London Borough of Croydon is delighted with the quality of the completed building, with Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, quoted as saying, “This is a stunning new centre with first-class facilities for everyone in New Addington to enjoy and be proud of.” Peter Head concluded by saying, “It is unlikely any other brick cladding solution could have been used as cost-effectively and efficiently as Gebrik to create a façade of such high quality.”

Naylor Lintels were supplied to the winning project of the Supreme Award at the Brick Awards 2015 The Whitworth Art Gallery. The judges comments were - Extraordinary architectural quality both in its internal and external spatial arrangements, attention to detail and workmanship. The proportions of the external spaces are immensely effective and give a calmness and richness. The relationship to its surroundings is clear in the historic Whitworth building and its landscape setting, park and new courtyards. This building has tremendous architectural quality and its use of brick as an ornamental narrative device as well as a robust skin is exceptional.

The addition of three extra stories to a traditionally built structure required a lightweight SIPS frame with FastClad brick slip system external skin, utilising the same bricks as the lower structure, to enable this to be achieved.This award winning project was created to meet the huge demand in London for high-quality, purpose-built Build to Rent apartments. Designed by Newground Architects, Rehearsal Rooms was one of London’s first institutionally backed BTR schemes. FastClad was chosen for it’s weight, ease of installation, fire properties, as well being indistinguishable from the areas of traditionally laid masonry.

Wienerberger’s Herne Dark Brindled Slimpave helped University of Roehampton project win the prestigious Brick Development Association (BDA) Awards in 2012.

Our Rivius slate roof tiles and appearance roof tiles and Ashington Red Multi brick were specificed for a very impressive project in Hull.

Located in Antrim with full site completion expected in 2028/29. Belmont Hall is a well-established development in the area. With easy access to the M2 and situated within close proximity to local schools, leisure facilities and shopping, Belmont is an ideal place to live. This environmentally sensitive development also offers immediate access to a range of parks, walkways and playing fields.The Challenge To create a unique and environmentally conscious housing development that was sympathetic to its natural surroundings. Belmont Hall aimed to establish itself as a relaxed and environmentally conscious development, paying homage to its natural surroundings, particularly the picturesque Six Mile Water River.  The procurement of a diverse range of facing brick in strong vibrant colours was a top priority for Antrim Construction Company . The goal was to offer homes with a range of finishes, fostering a sense of individuality and departure from uniformity.  Another important consideration for this project was budget. When compared to clay brick, Tobermore Facing Brick was far more competitive. In addition to this, the availability of stock ensured prompt delivery to meet tight project timelines.  The SolutionA unique development was achieved by utilising Tobermore Country Stone walling alongside Tobermore Kingston and Lansdowne facing brick ranges. To guarantee that Belmont Hall respected the natural environment that surrounds it, collaborating with a company committed to minimising environmental impact was paramount. Tobermore has consistently upheld responsible manufacturing practices aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its operations. Comprehensive and reliable environmental performance data is readily available for all Tobermore products. These Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) undergo independent verification to ensure the accuracy of each product’s environmental performance. Antrim Construction Company (ACC) created a distinctive development for the significant 400 house site by incorporating a variety of colours of Tobermore facing brick in both Lansdowne and Kingston ranges, along with Slate Country Stone walling. After considering clay and various concrete alternatives, ACC chose Tobermore due to the quality product and range of colours available. The use of vibrant shades Cottage Red, Golden, Charcoal and Slate amplified individuality in this project through the complementary contrast of colour. Additionally, the utilisation of various finishes of facing brick further enhanced the development’s character. Initially unaware of Tobermore Country Stone, the client expressed interest in incorporating a split stone product into their project. Following an on-site visit and discussions with the Antrim Construction Sales and Marketing department, Tobermore was able to provide a quote alongside a sample panel of products on site. As a result, the company decided to include Country Stone Walling alongside Tobermore Facing Bricks.  Tobermore was able to offer Antrim Construction Company a competitive price point, promise of availability and an unrivalled customer service throughout the project.