I’m currently working on a mid-rise residential project in an urban setting where we aim to achieve the aesthetic of traditional brick masonry while keeping the weight of the structure minimal. Due to site constraints and budget considerations, using full-thickness brick is impractical. Brickslip seems like a promising alternative that aligns with the project’s design intent, sustainability goals, and structural limitations. The façade will feature intricate brick patterns to mimic historic styles, and thermal efficiency is a key consideration as the building must comply with strict energy codes. The project also requires materials that are easy to install, durable, and weather-resistant, given the harsh climate conditions in this area. I had few concerns:
Are there specific systems or methodologies that work best with brickslip to ensure ease of installation and long-term performance? For those who have specified brickslip before, what are the most important features to evaluate (e.g., texture, color consistency, durability, or installation flexibility)?
it's default standard to use these in Japan, except we call them what they are, which is tiles. Usually they are applied over concrete or a cement board substrate, or come as large-ish panels that can be used to make a fire resistant assembly with wood structure. They are fine in any weather as long as you detail them for what they are.
They can look nice when they don't pretend to be bricks, though I have seen some good examples now and then. Sejima's Seijo Apartments is close to my home in Tokyo and it has borne up well over the years from the limited view possible on the street. The "bricks" are 15mm thick.
The panelized versions that are more common look less natural, especially at corners, and can look strange AF if the manufacturer is the one in charge of detailing (and warranties mean they usually are). Tiles detailed as panels can look good if they are done that way on purpose though. The recent ACE hotel by shim-sutcliffe in Toronto does this really well, though they clearly have an abnormally high budget.
We avoid their use for aesthetic reasons (we find it easier to use stucco or other options instead if we need to save money - better bang for the buck), but in Japan at least they are durable and there are dozens of systems that work very well in the regular market. Maybe try to find built examples of the system you are looking at in your area and see how they looks 10 or 20 years after construction and go from there. In Japan the main criteria is the wall assembly - how the system deals with earthquakes and is ventilated to prevent mold are things we look at. Where you are it will probably be different.
Jan 5, 25 10:24 am ·
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Brickslip for a project
I’m currently working on a mid-rise residential project in an urban setting where we aim to achieve the aesthetic of traditional brick masonry while keeping the weight of the structure minimal. Due to site constraints and budget considerations, using full-thickness brick is impractical. Brickslip seems like a promising alternative that aligns with the project’s design intent, sustainability goals, and structural limitations. The façade will feature intricate brick patterns to mimic historic styles, and thermal efficiency is a key consideration as the building must comply with strict energy codes. The project also requires materials that are easy to install, durable, and weather-resistant, given the harsh climate conditions in this area. I had few concerns:
Are there specific systems or methodologies that work best with brickslip to ensure ease of installation and long-term performance? For those who have specified brickslip before, what are the most important features to evaluate (e.g., texture, color consistency, durability, or installation flexibility)?
These people can be a good resource for info for you.
https://us17.campaign-archive....
so... fake lick and stick bricks? What's your role in this project and what did the architect say when you asked them?
it's default standard to use these in Japan, except we call them what they are, which is tiles. Usually they are applied over concrete or a cement board substrate, or come as large-ish panels that can be used to make a fire resistant assembly with wood structure. They are fine in any weather as long as you detail them for what they are.
They can look nice when they don't pretend to be bricks, though I have seen some good examples now and then. Sejima's Seijo Apartments is close to my home in Tokyo and it has borne up well over the years from the limited view possible on the street. The "bricks" are 15mm thick.
The panelized versions that are more common look less natural, especially at corners, and can look strange AF if the manufacturer is the one in charge of detailing (and warranties mean they usually are). Tiles detailed as panels can look good if they are done that way on purpose though. The recent ACE hotel by shim-sutcliffe in Toronto does this really well, though they clearly have an abnormally high budget.
We avoid their use for aesthetic reasons (we find it easier to use stucco or other options instead if we need to save money - better bang for the buck), but in Japan at least they are durable and there are dozens of systems that work very well in the regular market. Maybe try to find built examples of the system you are looking at in your area and see how they looks 10 or 20 years after construction and go from there. In Japan the main criteria is the wall assembly - how the system deals with earthquakes and is ventilated to prevent mold are things we look at. Where you are it will probably be different.
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