Evolution of the timeless brick

Bricks have been faithful building companions, their usage dating back to the Mesopotamian civilisation. Priti Kalra throws light on their history and current trends.

We’ve all heard the classic children’s tale of the three little pigs who built houses to protect themselves from the hungry wolf. The first pig's house of straws falls to shambles when the wolf huffs and puffs. The second pig's house of sticks sees the same fate. The wolf's huffs and puffs, however, are no match for the clever third pig's house of bricks. His bacon is saved.

Brick is one of the most ancient building materials known to man. Its robustness, character, safety and flexibility continue to make it a top choice for architects, and it finds innovative uses in contemporary buildings.

In a general sense, the term brick refers to a single block or unit made from a ceramic material and used in masonry construction. It may be made from lime and sand, clay, concrete or stone. Colloquially, however, when one uses the term brick, the reference is to a clay brick. Here, we will use the term colloquially to discuss properties and uses of the clay brick in modern homes.

Broadly, brick manufacture begins with a mixture of raw clay, sand and water. The mixture is compressed to a mould and then fired or burned in a kiln to achieve strength.
Depending on the ratio of additives and water in the mixture, the temperature to which it is fired, the duration of heating and the type of kiln used, brick of varying strength, density, durability and accuracy of edges is obtained.

The earliest brick usage dates back to 7500 BC found in the Tigris region of Mesopotamia. Since then, it has been the highest contributor to shaping our built environment. Even though the processes of manufacture have changed, the fact remains that there is no other construction material which has as long-lasting a performance with minimal maintenance and cost.

In exposed brick construction, walls are not plastered but left revealed. The need for maintenance is minimal, as walls never have to be touched up with plaster or paint. The weathering process merely adds character to the surface.

Since paint, which is made of volatile organic compounds, is not used, indoor air quality is improved. It is important to note that exposed brick walls gather dust, due to their undulating surface, and must be cleaned regularly.

In the era of "go green", brick finds importance as a sustainable material. During summers, brick slowly absorbs heat from the sun, thereby cooling the building. During winter, it insulates the building by retaining heat for a longer duration. This property makes brick a highly energy efficient material, and it eliminates the need for artificial heating and cooling. It is important to note that over the years the manufacturing process of brick has evolved so much that the energy required for manufacture is continually reducing. This lends brick an inherent sustainability. Brick can be recycled and reused.

Portions of a brick building can be renovated without having to demolish and rebuild the entire building. Old bricks can be salvaged and reused. Moreover, totally unusable bricks can be crushed and fired again to make new bricks.

High density bricks are fire-resistant and also provide great acoustic comfort. They are characterised with superior moisture control which protects them against infestation by insects and pests.

It is important to note that low quality bricks are susceptible to termites as they are more porous and cracks are easily formed. The most obvious uses of brick known are in building foundations and as walls which carry the load of the building. However, there are umpteen possibilities which must be brought to attention. Exposed brick construction is in great demand among homeowners today. A brick wall can do so much more than solely be a separation between outside and inside.

No plain Jane

A decorative pattern of alternating recessed and projecting bricks can be the concept behind the aesthetic of a home. A wall where alternating bricks have been removed can help to ventilate a space. The endless number of patterns in which bricks can be laid in a wall results in interesting light and shadow effects as the sun moves over the building.

An interesting aesthetic can be achieved if certain portions of the home, e.g., fireplace, are left exposed and certain plastered over. Additionally, a technique called corbelling could be employed which results in beautiful brick arches. These arches could support the load of the building, in place of the conventional reinforced concrete columns and beams. Brick is also quite a flexible material.

It can be used intelligently to build curved walls giving a gentle appearance to a home. Thickness of brick walls can vary based on the temperature conditions of the region, to provide thermal comfort.

Apart from walls, brick can be used in landscaping as well. It is a very common paving material, and alternatively can be used to make flowerpots and barbecue stands. Many homeowners construct outhouses and outdoor bars with exposed bricks. They can be used to construct vertical fins with recessed windows, serving as a substitute to the conventional chhajjas which are used for protection against the sun's glare. Bricks can be used creatively in the interiors of a home for shelving and built-in furniture.

The rustic charm, which is characteristic of clay brick, lends it a timeless quality. The versatile innovative ways in which it can be used makes it contemporary. The sizes, colours and textures in which brick is available makes it an interesting material to work with.

No two bricks look identical, and therefore, every exposed brick building is unique. The porcine family has truly led by example in the classic tale, teaching every homeowner today to think brick.