Oct 9, 2025
Week 3 – The Alchemy of Bricks
Exploring the fusion of earth, fire and water in brick production.
Technical
Understanding the elemental harmony in brickmaking.
In this session, Sarah Jefferson, UK Technical Advisor at Vandersanden, introduced us to the company's approach to brick production. Vandersanden employs a blend of river and Westerwald clays to produce their Briljant Zwart Impression bricks. This mixture is particularly suited for the production of extruded facing bricks, resulting in a rough surface texture achieved through a technical process before firing. vandersanden.com
Sarah emphasized that a brick embodies the perfect balance between earth, fire and water. The earth provides the raw clay, fire is used in the kiln to harden the bricks and water is essential in the mixing and molding processes. This balance highlights the harmonious relationship between natural elements and human craftsmanship in creating a fundamental building material.
Applying mathematical principles to determine material requirements.
The latter part of the lesson focused on the practical aspects of bricklaying, specifically calculating the number of bricks required for a given wall length. We explored various brick bonding patterns, such as stretcher bond, English bond and Flemish bond, each offering different aesthetic and structural characteristics. Understanding these patterns is crucial for determining the number of bricks needed, as the arrangement affects the overall dimensions and stability of the wall.
By applying these bonding patterns, we calculated the total number of bricks required for specific wall lengths, considering factors like mortar joint thickness and brick dimensions. This exercise emphasized the importance of precision in construction planning and material estimation, ensuring both efficiency and structural integrity in brickwork.
Translating theory into practice through measurement and estimation.
In the final segment of the lesson, we engaged in hands-on activities to reinforce our understanding of brickwork calculations. Using scaled drawings and real-world measurements, we determined the number of bricks needed for various wall sections. This practical exercise allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge to tangible scenarios, enhancing our ability to plan and execute bricklaying projects effectively.