Face brick has been around for many years, as it remains one of the most versatile materials for use in both interior and exterior applications. The many new styles, colours, textures and finishes available have resulted in many construction managers opting to use this versatile and long-wearing product.

To celebrate the many applications, leading clay face brick manufacturer Corobrik launched a new video series entitled Corobrik Projects to highlight the many possibilities offered by face brick as a building material. This innovative series features some of South Africa’s top architects discussing a range of landmark projects.

Sol-Tech campus, Pretoria
Jeremie Malan Architects selected Corobrik’s Redwood Travertine face brick from the Rosema factory for the Sol-Tech project. “The bonding in a face brick is very important, as this is what gives it its structural stability,” notes owner Jeremie Malan. A variety of face brick bonds were used to give the building a three-dimensional quality, with patterns created by the shadows and openings. The Corobrik factory stepped in to provide the large number of bricks required.

The Onyx affordable rental accommodation, Jewel City, Johannesburg
When GASS Architecture Studios associate director, Wandile Mntambo, told Divercity Urban Property Fund chief executive officer, Jonathan Reader, he wanted to make face brick “sexy”, the latter had no idea he meant hand-cutting Corobrik’s Nala and Protea Travertine products to create a bespoke “split-brick” facade for the Onyx building in the Jewel City precinct. Corobrik assisted by cutting all the bricks off-site. Needless to say, Reader was impressed by the final result.

South Point student residence, Johannesburg
Project architect, Sarah Kuiper from LYT Architecture, had to ensure that the project at 56 Jorissen Street was efficient and robust. “Face brick is a very low-maintenance solution, which is ideal. It also offered us room to be playful, as using different brick bonds to introduce different pattern types gave us a real opportunity to explore the material.”

Brooklyn House student residence, Pretoria
Project lead for Phase 1, Cliff Gouws, highlights that Boogertman + Partners is guided by architectural and social sustainability. “We had a very clear brief on the specifics of our materiality and finishes.” Counter to the common idea that educational architecture has to be bright and colourful, Gouws tapped into the legacy of Harvard University to introduce classic elements such as brick arches. For the building envelope itself, Corobrik Black Brick Satin was combined with Titanium Satin face brick to continue this concept of a building that is both aspirational and formal.

For more information, contact Corobrik:
Tel: +27 11 871 8722
Email: info@corobrik.co.za
Website: www.corobrik.co.za

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