Bricks are a wonderful choice for all kinds of architecture. They remain the most common option for homes and housing in the UK, and also have a big market in commercial and public buildings. You have a lot of options here, including choice of materials and setting out the brick. If you are planning a project, it is best to talk to an architect. We can help here, giving you support from some of the leading architects in London.
Why choose it?
Before we dive deeper into setting out, let’s look at a few advantages of brick. For starters, it is an inexpensive option. That is great news for all kinds of buildings and means it can work for most budgets. You can get even more value for money if you choose a local producer. It will help you to save on shipping costs.
On top of the affordability, brick is wonderful when it comes to versatility. Not many materials can give you such an array of options. You can choose different shapes and sizes of bricks. You can even combine different ones to get the look you want. A simple change to how you set out the brick can also have a massive impact on how a building will look. You can’t do this with many other materials.
Finally, brick is durable and long lasting. That means you can create buildings that will provide many years of use. At the same time, you can enjoy the fact the structure won’t require much maintenance.
Setting out
One thing we know well from our time as architects in London is you need to be perfect when setting out the brick. Any mistakes can ruin the look of a whole wall. It could even result in openings like windows and doors being in the wrong places. You definitely don’t want this.
What you need to think about here is the type of bond you will be using. That is crucial for deciding how walls will look. It can also determine how you need to set the bricks out.
Stretcher bond is the most common in the UK, especially for modern buildings. When you set out the brick, always think about openings. Ideally you want to get them to the closest full or half brick. It will minimise waste and also ensure the walls are as strong as possible.
What you should do is work with the brick dimensions in mind from the design stage. It can save you from having to adjust or redo the envelope of the building.
Another popular option is a Flemish bond. Again you need to ensure you are setting them out properly. It is still a good idea to do it with as many whole bricks as possible. However, here you may need closer or 3/4 bricks for corners. You should also factor in the elevation.
The most important thing to keep in mind with setting out brick is you should take more time with it if you are using complicated patterns or bonds. Plan ahead here to reduce the chance of errors or redesigns.
Exceptional support from the best architects in London
Whatever materials you are thinking of using, it is best to get help from experts. It can ensure you make the right choices in every sense. You must consider what will work from the area, how to get the look you want, and performance. It is also vital to look at the impact on the environment.
We would be happy to help with all kinds of projects. So, get in touch today and speak to some of the leading architects in London. You will get wonderful results with us.