Claybrick Creative Choice

Available in a variety of shapes, colours and textures, clay brick is not only a creative choice for residential and commercial buildings but also a cost-effective and sustainable one.

Photo Cred: BlackBrick

Not only are these bricks durable, colour-fast and low-maintenance but it is also reusable and recyclable.

Nowhere are the multiple benefits more evident than at BlackBrick, a recently completed mixed-use commercial and residential project in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The striking renovation made use of Federale Stene clay maxis to maximise the sustainability of the project and integrate eco principles into almost every aspect of the reno.

Photo Cred: BlackBrick

Not only were clay bricks the obvious choice for the developers in terms of its structural and maintenance advantages but also its “adaptive manufacturing advantages and reliable, low-carbon proximity of supply”.

“Sustainably designed buildings are energy efficient, resource-efficient and serve the long-term economic, social and environmental needs of communities. Clay brick masonry demonstrates all these qualities during construction, throughout its long operational life,” explains Johan Humphries MD of Federale Stene.

Photo Cred: BlackBrick

“Clay bricks are thermal batteries, using energy from the sun to provide natural thermal efficiency, reducing the need for electricity-guzzling air-conditioners, heaters and humidifiers,” Humphries continues.

As such, the use of clay bricks did not only help reduce the carbon footprint of the building project but also contributed to a long-term reduction in energy usage and meeting the demands of future-centric sustainable design.