What to Consider When Buying Bricks | Apollo Brick
Learn what matters when buying bricks. From SABS standards to thermal performance and aesthetics. Build with confidence with Apollo Brick.
Clay bricks have traditionally served as fundamental components in structural masonry, admired for their strength, thermal mass, and longevity. However, advancements in design thinking and material usage are unlocking a range of non-structural applications where clay bricks contribute both functional and aesthetic value. At Apollo Brick, we continue to observe and support the integration of clay bricks into innovative applications beyond traditional building methods.
Below are three emerging areas where clay bricks are being utilised effectively in non-construction contexts:
1. Garden and Landscape Architecture
In modern landscaping and outdoor design, clay bricks are increasingly valued for their durability, natural composition, and visual compatibility with organic environments.
Paving and Surfacing
Clay bricks offer a slip-resistant, low-maintenance alternative to concrete paving slabs. Their compact format allows for complex patterns such as herringbone or basket weave, which enhance surface stability and aesthetic appeal. Their colour permanence and resistance to UV degradation make them ideal for high-exposure applications such as courtyards, walkways, and patios.
Retaining and Boundary Walls
With excellent load-bearing capacity, clay bricks are suitable for low retaining walls, which serve dual purposes: stabilising soil and providing integrated seating or raised planting areas. Their breathability and porosity aid in drainage, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and erosion.
Edging and Border Definition
Bricks provide a long-lasting solution for demarcating planting zones. Unlike synthetic materials, clay bricks resist warping and deterioration, maintaining structural and visual integrity over extended periods.
Raised Planters and Beds
For raised garden beds, clay bricks offer thermal benefits by storing heat and gradually releasing it—supporting root development and extending growing seasons in colder climates. They can be laid in linear or curved configurations to suit spatial and horticultural requirements.
Vertical Structures and Garden Features
Clay bricks are well-suited for small vertical installations such as screening walls, decorative pillars, and planter towers. Their modularity facilitates creative integration with other materials (e.g., timber, metal, or stone) and vegetation (e.g., climbing plants or succulents), enabling more dynamic landscape compositions.
Environmental and Lifecycle Benefits
Bricks are manufactured from natural materials and can be repurposed, making them ideal for sustainable landscaping practices. Their durability ensures reduced lifecycle costs, and their recyclability supports circular economy principles.
2. Furniture and Interior Design Applications
The intrinsic weight, stability, and fire resistance of clay bricks make them suitable for applications in furniture construction and interior design.
Modular Furniture Systems
Clay bricks can serve as structural supports in shelving units, display fixtures, or tables. When paired with timber, steel, or stone surfaces, they create durable, load-bearing furniture suited to both residential and commercial environments. Importantly, these assemblies can often be constructed without adhesives, allowing for tool-free reconfiguration.
Customisable Decorative Applications
Clay bricks add texture and tactile interest to indoor environments. Their natural tones and finish integrate well with minimalist, industrial, and rustic aesthetics. They may also serve as bases for lighting fixtures, sculptures, or indoor planters—providing weight and stability without compromising design cohesion.
Thermal and Fire Performance in Décor
Clay bricks’ inherent resistance to fire and thermal stress allows them to be used safely around open flames, heaters, or braai areas. Their mass also provides passive thermal regulation in interior environments, adding to their functional value.
Sustainable and Custom Finishes
Designers may choose to leave bricks raw for an authentic aesthetic, or modify them through techniques such as whitewashing, engraving, or painting. Bricks bearing historical or manufacturer stamps can be incorporated to create bespoke, heritage-informed design features.
3. Outdoor Fire Pits and Water Features
Clay bricks are increasingly used in constructing external fire and water features due to their heat tolerance, moisture resistance, and aesthetic flexibility.
Fire Pits and Heat-Resistant Installations
Bricks are an optimal choice for fire pits and related installations due to their refractory properties, where the correct clay brick type and refractory cement mixture is used for the construction.They can be configured in circular, square, or custom geometries to suit various design languages—from traditional to contemporary. Integration with brick seating and outdoor flooring can create cohesive, multifunctional entertainment spaces.
Water Features and Structural Integration
In water feature construction, clay bricks provide structural integrity and visual warmth. Their porosity supports the naturalisation of water elements, encouraging moss growth and organic integration into the landscape. Common applications include wall-mounted fountains, terraced spillways, and brick-lined ponds.
Edge Control and Erosion Prevention
Brick-bordered water features offer clean boundaries that help mitigate soil erosion while defining aquatic zones. Their thermal mass and shape retention further enhance the structural stability of these installations over time.
Combined Element Design
Outdoor spaces increasingly integrate both fire and water elements. Clay bricks enable seamless transitions between the two, promoting design continuity. Their low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand thermal cycling make them particularly well suited for exposed installations.
Advantages of Clay Bricks in External Features:
- Thermal and moisture resistance suitable for year-round exposure
- Aesthetic flexibility across architectural and landscape styles
- Ease of modification and shaping for bespoke installations
- Minimal maintenance with long-term durability
- Environmental compatibility, aligning with green building goals
Conclusion
Clay bricks continue to demonstrate value beyond structural construction. Their performance characteristics—thermal mass, compressive strength, fire resistance, and natural aesthetics—position them as a versatile material for design-led, non-traditional applications in landscaping, interior furnishings, and outdoor feature installations.
At Apollo Brick, we support creative material applications that align with sustainable design, longevity, and architectural innovation. Whether used to build, frame, accent, or furnish, clay bricks offer a durable and adaptable solution across a spectrum of environments and industries
Related Posts
Using Clay Bricks to enhance Thermal Insulation
In the context of enhancing thermal insulation for buildings, clay bricks play a crucial role, offering both natural insulation properties and contributing to a more energy-efficient and sustainable built environment.