Zonda - Resource Library

This course will provide foundational knowledge about clay pavers, explore their benefits and features, and cover what architects and builders need to know for successful specification and installation.

Brick manufacturing has essentially remained the same since ancient times, but modern manufacturing techniques are much more efficient and sustainable, producing a more durable product. This course will explore the history of brick manufacturing, how the process has evolved, and the continual improvements brick manufacturers are making to shape the future of brick design.

Facing brick are intended for use in both structural and nonstructural masonry, including veneer, where appearance is a requirement. Face brick are not only used for structural purposes and aesthetics, they also increase energy efficiency and are economical. You’ve likely specified face brick on homes, commercial buildings, fireplaces, entry walls/gates, multifamily developments, retail developments, and schools/universities. It comes in a wide selection of color, texture, and size options for a customized look and feel. Specifically intended for long-term application, face brick requires little maintenance and minimizes the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building.

Brick exterior walls must be properly designed, detailed, and constructed to achieve the intended architectural effects on building facades and to prevent moisture intrusion and cracking. This course will explore common brick masonry elements such as curved walls, corbelling, and arches and how they should be designed and detailed to avoid moisture entry and movement issues. The course will also explore several award-winning projects where brick stands out as the defining architectural feature of the building.

Brick is a timeless look. It can bring out the classic beauty of weathered architecture or let the elements of a modern building shine through. It appears brick is always in style and in demand. The market for brick is growing, too. Designers and builders don’t have to use brick to get the look of brick. Thin brick veneer combines the aesthetic of brick without the weight or cost. It can be used in new builds, renovations, inside and out. Thin brick veneer comes in different varieties and styles, and its flexibility can be used in almost any project.