Modern vs Traditional Brick

125 Years of Innovation in Masonry

In this episode of Materials Month, host Andre baros explores the fascinating evolution and versatility of brick technology, comparing traditional and modern approaches. The discussion spans from century-old manufacturers like Acme, Glen Gary, and Kushwa to cutting-edge applications in contemporary architecture.

What You'll Learn:

• Traditional bricks have maintained remarkable consistency over the past century, with 125-year-old bricks being fully interchangeable with modern ones and showing minimal wear even after extensive use, making them excellent candidates for recycling in new projects.
• Modern brick manufacturing has introduced innovative shapes, like Glen Gary's Roman Maximus line, which offers longer, linear designs and slightly softer textures, providing architects with new aesthetic possibilities while maintaining brick's core characteristics.
• Thin brick technology has revolutionized modern construction by using only the essential wear layer (about 3/8 inch thick), delivering the same aesthetic and durability benefits as full bricks while significantly reducing weight and installation complexity, particularly in high-rise applications.
• Contemporary architectural applications have expanded brick's versatility, with examples of innovative uses in roofing, wall cladding, and other exterior applications, demonstrating how this traditional material can be adapted for modern design requirements.
• Installation systems have evolved to include modern solutions like tabs, making it easier to implement thin brick applications while maintaining the material's authentic appearance and durability.