Long-format facing bricks for non-residential buildings: size, colour and joint pattern
A long-format facing brick can give a non-residential building a calm and cohesive façade, even when the façade has many windows or different building sections. Size, surface finish, colour and jointing together determine how that interplay of lines plays out. In this article, we compare GeoStylistix sizes and surface finishes and examine colour choices using BMV Spaubeek as an example.
GeoStylistix and GeoStylistix Profile
The standard version of GeoStylistix has a flat surface and a top layer of natural aggregates with a natural stone-like appearance. The elongated format emphasises the horizontal lines in the brickwork. GeoStylistix Profile has a profiled top layer whose surface texture is closer to that of brick. This allows you to match not only the colour but also the surface texture to the design.
GeoStylistix is suitable for installation without butt joints, which further emphasises the interplay of horizontal lines. Take the expansion joint recommendations into account in the façade details to minimise the risk of cracking.
What long formats are available?
GeoStylistix is available in sizes including 595 × 95 × 40 mm and 550 × 70 × 55 mm, shown as length × width × height. The 595 mm block is longer and lower than the 550 mm one. This alters the ratio between the horizontal length of the block and the height of the masonry courses. The second dimension is the width (depth) of the block: 95 mm compared with 70 mm.
GeoStylistix format | Number of bricks per m² with a 5 mm joint |
|---|---|
595 × 95 × 40 mm | 37 |
550 × 70 × 55 mm | 30 |
The figures are calculated based on a 5 mm joint. A different joint size will affect the quantity required and the pattern of the brickwork courses.
You will find a range of different styles in our selection of facing bricks. To compare the appearance in your design, you can request our textures for façade visualisations. Architects and property developers will receive a download link by email once they have submitted their request.
Colour and grout as part of the façade’s appearance
The size determines the rhythm, whilst the colour of the stone and mortar can either emphasise or soften the interplay of lines. A light-coloured and a dark-coloured grout therefore give the same stone a different façade appearance. The difference between the flat surface of the standard version and the profiled top layer of Profile also contributes to the overall look.
Our mortar advice helps you explore colour combinations for GeoStylistix. The mortar consumption calculator provides an indication of consumption for the chosen size and joint.
A bespoke façade colour for BMV Spaubeek
BMV Spaubeek brings together healthcare, education and the hospitality sector, amongst other things. ARCHITECTENZAAK linked the various building sections through a shared material palette and colour scheme. For the façade, we developed a GeoStylistix colour inspired by the regional Kunrader stone: Limestone Yellow.
The project demonstrates how the choice of colour can harmonise with the surroundings whilst simultaneously creating a sense of cohesion between the different parts of the building. Take a look at BMV Spaubeek and the GeoStylistix used for the façade images and project information.
Detailing and other project decisions
Our site guidelines highlight key considerations regarding design, materials and installation. Ensure that the positioning and installation of expansion joints are tailored to the specific façade.
For advice on brickwork, expansion joints or structural issues, we recommend the following external consultancies: Adviesbureau Vekemans, TCKI and VCOA Ontwerp & Advies.
If the façade construction requires a brick strip, GeoStylistix strips are available on a project-by-project basis upon request. Suitability for the substrate and any insulation system requires a separate assessment with the relevant system supplier and project parties.
Project-specific ECI documentation is available on request for GeoStylistix ReUsed. Please enquire about the relevant specification and documentation if you wish to assess these for a project.
See GeoStylistix in real life
Curious to see what our bricks look like in real life? Request sample bricks via a building supplies retailer. You can find stockists using our dealer locator. Discuss which size, surface finish and colour you wish to assess, and which façade samples the retailer can supply for this purpose.
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