Originally published in April 2017, this LOPO update introduced a group of hollow clay wall brick samples with deliberately varied, hand-worked surfaces. The two original photographs are retained below at their full proportions: one records the sample pieces and the other shows the material as an installed exterior wall.
This revised version keeps that historical context while adding a practical selection checklist. It is intended to help architects and buyers prepare a useful enquiry; current product availability, dimensions, colours, finishes, fixing method and project suitability still need to be confirmed for the specific design.
What the 2017 clay wall brick update showed
The original post contrasted hollow clay wall bricks with thin clay facing tiles and focused on the design possibilities created by the brick body and surface. It described finishes ranging from relatively fine and smooth to visibly rough, with the irregular texture used to express the natural character of fired clay.
LOPO also noted that texture, size, colour and installation approach could be coordinated around a project’s requirements. That remains a useful design starting point, but the two photographs do not identify a product number, nominal dimensions, colour code, finish code or complete wall build-up. Those items should therefore be selected from current information and documented for the project rather than inferred from the images.
Compare products and systems, not isolated claims. A hollow unit is not automatically the right substitute for a thin facing tile. Thermal, acoustic, moisture, environmental, structural and fire-related outcomes depend on the selected product, the complete wall assembly, supporting documents and the project’s design conditions. Ask for the evidence required by the specification and local regulations.
The installed facade in the original update
The second source photograph shows long, textured clay units laid in horizontal courses along an exterior wall. The close perspective makes the surface relief, joint rhythm and colour variation more legible than the small sample photograph alone.
When using a reference like this, separate the desired appearance from the technical solution. A similar visual rhythm may depend on the selected unit length and depth, joint size and colour, corner treatment, bond or coursing, substrate and support strategy, construction tolerances, and how the wall handles openings and terminations.
Six decisions to make before requesting samples or a quotation
1. Define the product format and intended role
State whether the design calls for a full or hollow clay wall brick, a thinner facing element, or another facade product. Also identify whether it is intended as masonry, veneer, mechanically supported cladding or part of a different project-specific assembly. The name alone does not define the load path.
2. Set the facade module
Provide target unit dimensions, joint width, coursing and key setting-out constraints. Include corners, reveals, sills, parapets, transitions and other special pieces in the elevation study. Confirm current manufacturing limits before the module is frozen.
3. Describe colour and surface with references
Use the photographs only to communicate a warm red-brown direction and textured character. Request current representative samples, then agree how colour and texture variation will be reviewed. Digital screens cannot establish the approved fired-clay appearance.
4. Coordinate the wall and installation strategy
Share the substrate or support concept, cavity and insulation requirements, openings, movement joints, drainage approach, exposure conditions and access constraints. The architect and relevant engineers must verify the complete assembly, connections and interfaces.
5. List the evidence the project requires
Identify the governing specification, codes and required product data, calculations, test reports, samples, mock-ups, inspection records and approvals. Do not assume that a statement from an older article applies to a current product or a different wall system.
6. Confirm logistics and replacement planning
Give the project location, estimated facade area, programme and packaging or handling constraints. Agree acceptable production variation, sample-control process, delivery sequencing and any spare-material requirement before ordering.
Information that makes an enquiry easier to evaluate
- project type, location, design stage and planned installation period;
- elevations, relevant wall sections and approximate cladding area;
- preferred clay brick format, target dimensions, joint module and orientation;
- colour direction, surface texture and any reference sample or project image;
- substrate, cavity or support concept, corner and opening requirements;
- project-specific performance, compliance and documentation requirements; and
- quantity of sample pieces and the decisions the sample review must support.
For the current product overview and example formats, visit the Terracotta Brick page. For visual precedents across different building types and terracotta systems, browse the Architectural Terracotta Gallery.
Discuss a clay wall brick project with LOPO
Send the project information above together with the appearance you want to achieve. LOPO can review the enquiry against current product options and help coordinate relevant samples and product information; final system design and approval remain project-specific.