Bricks, the foundational elements of our homes, evoke a sense of safety and calmness. A material we’ve known all our lives, brick is synonymous with solid and everlasting structures. The earthy clay textures invite a tactile experience, drawing the eye to the unique variations inherent to this natural building material. Choosing between traditional brick and the modern Smartbric brick slip system is more than just a decision - it's about bringing your vision to life. This article explores the strengths and limitations of both materials to help you determine the best fit for your next project.
For centuries, brick has been a staple in construction, prized for its durability, sustainability and classic aesthetic. Its versatility has made it a go-to material in various architectural styles, from ancient structures to modern designs. Traditional single brick walls are typically 110mm thick, with an additional 50mm cavity, resulting in an overall footprint of approximately 160mm. While the footprint of traditional brick construction is larger compared to other alternatives, its strength and the advantages outlined below continue to make it one of the most widely used building materials.
Traditional bricks are highly energy efficient, due to their thermal mass, which helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduces energy consumption. Their natural soundproofing properties contribute to quieter, more comfortable living spaces. Additionally, brick structures exhibit exceptional resistance to harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind and UV radiation, ensuring minimal maintenance and long-lasting durability. These energy-saving and cost-effective qualities have solidified brick's reputation as a timeless and reliable construction material.
Beyond performance, traditional brickwork enriches designs with desirable natural hues and textures. Made from abundant natural and recyclable materials, brick minimises its environmental impact across its lifecycle. Integrating biophilic design principles, traditional brick establishes a connection between the built environment and nature, enriching aesthetic appeal- particularly as "green" designs become highly desirable in modern architecture. However, its weight and larger building footprint can present structural challenges, often requiring reinforced foundations, which may limit its appeal for large-scale building projects.
The Smartbric system offers a modern alternative to traditional brickwork that addresses limitations in terms of weight and space, allowing brick to reach new heights. Smartbric’s brick facings are approximately ¼ the weight of traditional bricks and are installed using a Track and Rail aluminium or steel mounting structure, providing both the aesthetic appeal and practical benefits of brick where heavier materials may be impractical. The battens, Track and Rail mounting system and brick facings combine for a total thickness of 68mm from the framing. This can be even less if the batten thickness is reduced per engineer approval.
Fairview's Smartbric system - Clyde Health Hub, VIC.
The Smartbric system is engineered to facilitate quick and efficient installation. Traditional brickwork has a labour-intensive installation process, especially when working at height or in adverse weather conditions. The Smartbric Rapid range offers mortar-free installation, making it suitable for year-round use in any temperature or humidity. Unlike traditional brickwork, Smartbric can be installed by general labourers and apprentices. Additionally, the system can be built off-site in modular units, beneficial in urban environments where construction space is limited. The ability to use a broad range of labourers, its all-weather installation capabilities and reduced space requirements help minimise construction timelines and delays. However, unlike traditional brick, Smartbric requires a backing wall for support, which may offset some advantages of its lightweight design.
Smartbric's streamlined approach to brickwork offers cost-saving efficiencies on large-scale projects, particularly those involving multiple stories. Smartbric alleviates the foundation complexities required for traditional brickwork. The modular design can be craned into place, minimising the need for extensive scaffolding. As the demand for skilled bricklayers grows, labour costs continue to rise. The brick facing retains many of the core benefits of traditional brickwork including durability and insulating properties. Additionally, the rainscreen facade system assists with temperature regulation within the construction envelope preventing the risk of cracks and provides further internal thermal comfort and energy savings, reducing long-term costs. Case specific, the benefits of reduced labour, construction and maintenance costs outweigh the higher upfront investment. For smaller-scale residential applications, traditional brickwork may remain a more cost-efficient solution.
Additionally, Smartbric opens doors to more design flexibility. Smartbric brick facings come in a diverse range of colours and designs, allowing architects to achieve both contemporary and traditional finishes. Its slim profile makes it a perfect choice for interior feature walls, delivering visual impact without sacrificing space. The Smartbric brick slips are easily customisable to create unique mosaics and can easily form radii and arches. The brick facings can be sourced from a range of suppliers, allowing for colour matching to seamlessly integrate with existing structures.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional brick and Smartbric depends on the project's specific requirements, including aesthetic preferences, budget and the scale of construction. Traditional brickwork offers a timeless, authentic appeal with a connection to history, while Smartbric provides greater flexibility, ease of installation and design versatility. By carefully considering the strengths and limitations of each option, you can make an informed decision to achieve the ideal design for your next project.
Get in touch with the Fairview team to discuss your project further and determine if Smartbric is the right fit for your project needs.