Exposed Brick Masonry

A Project Report

Submitted by

NIRVAAN DUKPA
Reg No: 1140100487

B. Arch IVth Year

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

VIJAYAWADA

July 2018

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 Karan Grover and Associates (KGA)
Architects, Planners and Interior Designers

"Architecture is about the place, rooted in its context and culture."

Renowned architect Karan Grover, whose architectural firm, Karan

Grover & Associates is based in Vadodara, is a passionate believer in
learning from the past and reinterpreting ideas to create a viable
methodology for a contemporary design process. Grover is a member
of some of the most respected art and cultural institutions in the country,
such as the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH) and the Heritage Conservation Programme for buildings in
Baroda. He is also well known internationally for being an exponent of
green issues and how they should affect architecture. He was the first
architect outside the United States to be awarded the 'Platinum' LEED
rating from the U. S. Green Building Council for his work on the
Sohrabjii Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad. No matter when
sustainable architecture began, most will agree that today it's in the forefront of our collective minds
Karan Grover and Associates though a young architectural practice, has emerged into a multi-disciplinary
organization with the best associate consulting teams for all the services, which is seen as an integral part of
architectural design activity. Some of the fundamental values that the architectural practice beliefs stem from
the standpoint of creating a ‘Contemporary’ Indian architectural idioms and language drawing essences from
Tradition and Culture in very fundamental planes.
Born on 22nd August 1951, Ar. Grover completed a Bachelor of Architecture in 1974 from Maharaja Sayajirao
University of Baroda and a Graduate Diploma in 1975 from Architectural Association, London. Ar. Karan is
inarguably the most influential green architect and a celebrated one based in Gujarat. His designs are people
centric and he supports the idea of interweaving the use of passive strategies and new technologies together.
His idea is not to create an immutable built space, but an environment which showcases the beauty of nature
and is also region specific.
Ar. Grover won accolades in India and internationally. One of the real show stopping recognition of his works
was being appointed Permanent Honorary Fellow of the National Academy of Environment at the hands of
former President Dr. Abdul Kalam. He single handedly, after a 22-year old campaign, won India the
nomination for UNESCO's World Heritage Site status for Champaner. Besides the CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green
Business Centre, Hyderabad, a LEED Platinum rated building by US-GBC, his key noted projects include the
Goa Assembly Building at Porvorim, Goa and District Office Complex at Bagalkot for Government of
Karnataka.

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 Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank all my Professors at School of Planning and Architecture,
Vijayawada for guiding me through this journey of architectural design, and for evoking in me the interest to
learn more about architecture and design.

My interest in architecture was further magnified while undergoing my practical training in Karan Grover &
Associates. The firm has helped me develop as a sensitive designer and become more sensitivity to the
environment and surroundings of the structures we build.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ar. Karan Grover, for guiding me during the training period.
He has helped me understand the importance of being passionate in life and working hard for the things we
are passionate about.

I also thank Ar. Ishan Grover for being omnipresent and for his undaunted encouragement. I also owe my
rich learning experience at KGA to Bismaya Puhan for his moral support, encouragement and patience to
answer and clear all my questions and doubts.

I also acknowledge the support of my friends and family who were always encouraging in my stint as an
intern in this reputed architectural firm of Vadodara.

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 Contents

1. Introduction ................................5
2. Historical Background ................................6
3. Material Innovation ................................7
4. Surface Treatment ................................7
5. Types of Bonds and Patterns ................................ 8
5.1. Ornamental Bonds
5.2. Course
5.3. Brickwork
5.4. Orientation
5.5. Brick Bonds
5.6. Paving Bonds
6. Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7. The Adivasi Academy at Tejgadh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8. Shroff House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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 1. Introduction
"Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins."

- Ludwig Mies van der Roh,

The bricks, either sun dried or baked, followed a standardised

system of proportion, based, as they are today, on the size of a
man's hand - the standard brick is approximately 230x115x 75 mm.
About 50 per cent of all construction in India is of this most basic
building material, which, due to its versatility, can be used
structurally or as cladding for decorative effect, the pleasing colour
variations depending on the exposure of the bricks to heat in the
kiln. They also have the advantage of blending well with other
building materials like wood, stone, concrete, glass and steel.

Exposed brickwork has a rustic charm, adding a unique character

to any structure. In conventional construction, however this
brickwork gets covered in plaster and paint. The term ‘plaster’ comes from the Greek word ‘emplassein’,
meaning to ‘mould of form’, used by early man to cover stacks of uneven stones together. But today with
better quality cemented masonry construction, the use of plaster is seen chiefly as an additional layer to
cover up imperfect masonry work. If the joints in the external masonry can be pointed well using
waterproofing compound, a plaster cover can be limited to only the internal surfaces. This will not only reduce
the burden on the environment of additional material manufacture but also save construction cost and time.

Architect Laurie Baker was a keen proponent of exposed brickwork and wanted to save his clients the added
costs of plastering and painting on a building’s façade. His quote on bricks reads: “such unique and
characterful creations should not be covered with plaster.”

Exposed masonry also speaks of the history of a

building and stands testimony to the skill involved
in masonry coursework. Brickwork can also be
arranged in artistic ways to create patterns of solid
and void latticework to let in light and ventilation.

Exposed façades have many benefits: they help

avoid pollution from the manufacture of additional
material, reduce costs as lesser material is used
and lead to the visibility of art. In a similar fashion,
a plaster cover on the ceiling can also be avoided
if the raw ceiling finish is executed well using good
quality form work. Paint could always be added for
evenness without the additional plaster cover.

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 2. Historical background

Man has used brick for building purpose for thousands of years. Bricks date back to 7000 BC, which makes
them one of the oldest known building materials. They were discovered in southern Turkey at the site of an
ancient settlement around the city of Jericho. The first bricks, made in areas with warm climates, were mud
bricks dried in the sun for hardening. Ancient Egyptian bricks were made of clay mixed with straw. The
evidence of this can be seen today at ruins of Harappa Buhen and Mohenjo-daro. Paintings on the tomb
walls of Thebes portray Egyptian slaves mixing, tempering and carrying clay for the sun dried bricks.
The greatest breakthrough came with the invention of fired brick in about 3,500 Bc. From this moment on,
bricks could be made without the heat of sun and soon became popular in cooler climates.
During the 12th century bricks were reintroduced to northern Germany from northern Italy. This created the
brick gothic period which was a reduced style of Gothic architecture previously very common in northern
Europe. The buildings around this time were mainly built from fired red clay bricks. Brick Gothic style buildings
can be found in the Baltic countries Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia,
Belarus and Russia. The brick gothic period can be categorized by the lack of figural architectural sculptures
which had previously been carved in stone. The Gothic figures were impossible to create out of bulky bricks
at that time, but could be identified by the use of split courses of bricks in varying colours, red bricks, glazed
bricks and white lime plaster. Eventually special shaped bricks were introduced which would imitate the
architectural sculptures.

Brick architecture has a long and illustrious history in India, going right back to the Indus Valley
Civilisation. Excavations in Harappan settlements in Gujarat, like Dholavira and Lothal, have shown
that these early civilisations, with their sophisticated town planning around a communal courtyard,
paved streets and advanced drainage systems, also used brick in the construction of their houses.
During the renaissance and Baroque periods, exposed brick walls became unpopular and brickwork was
generally covered by plaster .Only during the mid of 18th century visible brick walls again regain popularity.
Beautiful examples of bricks have been found in the 20th century in India.

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 3. MATERIAL INNOVATION
With the recent technological development, there are a lot of materials which can replace conventional bricks.
These materials are said to be environment friendly, extremely strong in compression, resistant to earthquake
forces, offer different textures and colours. These can make even the very simple looking exposed brickwork
interesting and impressive. A few such materials are hollow concrete blocks, fly ash bricks (three times
stronger than

Ordinary bricks and has no efflorescence at all) , Fal - G , CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks ) ,
lime bricks , stone blocks , adobe bricks (sun dried organic bricks) etc. . Since these walls are left unplastered
so finishing becomes a difficult job. So as for the finishing the exterior surface is kept flushed and smooth
while the interior surface is finished with different kinds of pointing, mostly flash pointing.

4. SURFACE TREATMENT
All the exposed brickworks are exposed to the environment so there is a high possibility that they might get
damaged easily. The common problems with exposed brickwork are efflorescence, moss growth, insects,
weathering of exposed mortar etc. There are some inexpensive ways of getting rid of that too.

1 .Use of silicones: Silicones are primarily water repellents and such can be used to assist in the solution
to rain penetration problems. The application of silicone to brickwork, however, will not upgrade the durability
of the product and is therefore, not a solution to problems arising from the incorrect application of bricks.

2. Impervious transparent paint: Co-polymer of styrene silicone acrylic resins in a water suspension.
Provides surfaces with an exceptional, deep water repellence. It is recommended for waterproofing all type
of vertical surfaces, especially brick and exposed brickwork, since it gives an impeccable aesthetic finish. It
is also perfect for other materials such as tile, concrete, ceramics, tiles, stone, etc.

3. Oiling of brickwork: If it is desired to brighten up brickwork, a mixture of clean engine oil and paraffin in
the ratio 1:2 is recommended. This application gives a characteristic "oiled" appearance, without harmful side
effects. The finish is not durable, but because it disappears through evaporation, can readily be re-applied
without any further cleaning or pre-treatment of the brickwork being required.

Unplastered and well maintained brick surface Unplastered and well maintained brick surface

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 5. TYPES OF BONDS AND PATTERNS

5.1 ORNAMENTAL BONDS

The ways in which brick are cut and laid to create decorative patterns are
ancient and infinitely varied. They are as intricate and demanding as the
patterns found in weaving and embroidery or bead work or inlaid designs
in wood.

Antique Terra Cotta Firebrick –
Sailor Herringbone
There are weaves such as: Basket weave, Herringbone weave, and Della
Robbia weave. There are braids such as: Nordic Braid, Scottish Braid,
Parquet Braid, Diamond Braid, Appian Braid, Celtic Cross Braid, and
Pinwheel. Names for bonds are inspired by
places: Monterey, Corte Madera,
Mediterranean, or taken from nature: Northern
Lights, Snakeskin, Peacock, and borrowed from
eras or styles: Regency, Chateau Nouveau.

There are even names for bonds drawn from peoples and stories such as:
Macedonian, English Rowlock, Flemish, Cherokee, Roman Curb, and Jacob’s
Ladder. There is a Hollywood bond also known as Drunk brick. In many ways, Antique Terra Cotta Firebrick – Soldier
brick bonds are a lasting illustration of our history. Fence Weave

5.2 COURSE

Setting a course means to arrange in a row. A row of bricks, when laid in a wall, is called a course. It is a
continuous level range or row of brick or masonry throughout the face or faces of a building. Each horizontal
layer of brick in a masonry structure is called a course. Brick laid flat and perpendicular to the face of the wall
are called headers. A header course consists entirely of headers (horizontal, short, narrow side laid on wide
edge).

5.3 BRICKWORK

Parts of brickwork include bricks, beds and perpends. The

bed is the mortar upon which a brick is laid. A perpend is a
vertical joint between any two bricks and is usually – but not
always – filled with mortar. The dimensions of these parts
are, in general, co-ordinated so that two bricks laid side by
side separated only by the width of a perpend have a total
width identical to the length of a single brick laid transversely
on top of them.

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5.4 ORIENTATION

Stretcher

Brick laid flat with the long face parallel to the wall are called a stretchers. When all the brick in the course
are laid in this manner, it is called a stretcher course. (horizontal, long, narrow)

Header

A brick laid flat with its width at the face of the wall, or parallel to the face of the wall.

Soldier

A soldier course is one in which brick are laid standing

on end with the narrow edge facing out. This type of
course is sometimes used for decorative effects over
door and window openings and in fireplace facings
(vertical, long, narrow).

Sailor

A sailor course is similar to the soldier course but with

the wide edge facing out. It is used for decorative
effects (vertical, long, wide). The width of a masonry
structure can be measured by stretchers and joints.
The height of a masonry structure can be measured by
courses and joints.

Rowlock

Occasionally a special type of course is used for either structural or decorative purposes. The rowlock or
rolok is similar to the header course except that the brick are laid on narrow or face edge. This type of course
is often used as the top course or cap of garden walls and as window and door sills (horizontal, short, narrow
side laid on narrow edge).

Shiner

A brick laid on the long narrow side with the broad face of the brick exposed.

5.5 BRICK BONDS

The following are typical brick bonds found on the faces of veneers of buildings.

Running or Stretcher Bond:

The running Bond uses stretcher courses with the joints breaking at the center of
each brick immediately above and below. This is frequently used for partitions and
veneer and chimneys.

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English Bond:

The English Bond is a form of bond in which one course is composed entirely of
headers and the next course is composed entirely of stretchers. The header and
stretcher courses alternate throughout the wall. Alternate courses of headers and
stretchers are laid so the joints between stretchers are centered on the headers.
Stretchers are centered on stretchers; headers on headers.

Common Bond Sometimes called the American Bond:

This is a variation of the Running Bond, with a header course every 5th, 6th, or 7th
course. This ties the wall to the backing masonry material. The header courses are
centered on each other.

English Cross Bond or Dutch Bond:

A form of bond similar to Old English bond. This bond uses alternate headers and
stretcher courses. The joints of the stretchers center on the stretchers two courses
above and below; headers center on headers. This type of bond is used where
strength and beauty are required.

Flemish Bond:

A bond consisting of headers and stretchers which alternate in every course. The
headers in course are centered above and below the stretchers in the other course.
It is so laid as always to break joints, each header being placed in the middle of the
stretchers in courses above and below.

Stack Bond:

All courses are stretchers and all joins are in line. This is used primarily for
aesthetic purposes. It has relatively little structural value.

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5.6 PAVING BONDS

The following are typical brick bonds frequently used for paving.

Basket Weave Bond:

This pattern imitates a basic in-and-out weave. In terms of brick, if one viewed
the horizontal paving as if it were the side of a vertical wall one could describe
this bond as consisting of a course of two stretchers laid in a stack bond next to
two soldiers and this pattern is repeated for the course. The stack and soldiers
alternate on each course. The narrow side of the brick can be presented to the
viewer but usually the wide side of the brick faces up.

Herringbone Bond:

This pattern imitates a herringbone weave. The stretcher and soldier alternate
on each course. On a 45 degree angle a stairway of stretchers can be seen.
Soldiers stand on one edge of each step. The narrow side of the brick can be
presented to the viewer but usually the wide side of the brick faces up.

Pinwheel Bond:

This pattern imitates the assembly of a pinwheel. The stretcher and soldier
alternate on each course but their order is reversed on each course. Even
courses: stretcher, soldier. Odd courses: soldier, stretcher. The narrow side of
the brick can be presented to the viewer but usually the wide side of the brick
faces up. Two courses form a series of squares with a closure in the center.

Della Robbia Weave Bond:

This bond is not commonly used. It is a variation on a basket weave, but it uses
only one brick (or thread) for the weft and warp. It consists of a course of one
stretcher laid next to one soldier and this pattern is repeated for the course.
The stretcher and soldier alternate on each course. Quarter closures fill in the
gaps making a small square out of each centered soldier and each centered
stretcher. The wide side of the brick faces up.

Running Board Bond:

The pattern is the same as a Running Bond in a wall. It uses stretcher courses
with the joints breaking at the center of each brick immediately above and
below. In terms of brick, they can be viewed as soldiers.

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 6. PROS AND CONS OF EXPOSED BRICK MASONRY

PROS OF EXPOSED BRICK MASONRY:

 Exposed brick work can add contrast to a space, especially when mixed with a diverse range of
finishes. High-gloss and mirrored finishes are always well complimented with the use of brickwork.
 It can add texture to an otherwise uninteresting space.
 It can also help to add warmth to a space, especially when red brick is exposed, creating a homely
feel.
 Exposing your brickwork is not as expensive as some other wall finishes, as long as you have the
right equipment and the time to dedicate to the work.
 The technique can also be used to create a focal point within a space, just like any other wall covering.
 Exposed brickwork, when treated correctly, can be highly durable, therefore works well in high traffic
areas such as hallways.
 The exposed brick wall is one environmentally friendly design solution, It consists of the most common
materials of the earth: clay and water. In addition, the bricks can be reused. You can create retaining
walls or walkways.
 The brick wall is a suitable solution if you are afraid of fire danger. They are also an additional
protection in stormy weather and generally gives you more security.

CONS OF EXPOSED BRICK MASONRY:

 Exposed brickwork is not for everyone and some can see this as ‘messy’ looking. If a clean finish is
what you are looking for then this is not the finish for you.
 If the technique is not used correctly it can make a space look unfinished.
 Your bricks may not be of the best quality, and without removing part of the plaster you will never
know.
 The colour of your brick is pre-determined, and although this can be painted, you would then lose the
‘natural’ look. So to maintain the original look, you would just need to make do.
 Your brick work must be treated once it is exposed, as otherwise you will find that the quality
deteriorates, and this is something which will take time.
 Your brickwork will also require maintenance, which will include brushing, cleaning and re-treating,
which again will take time

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 7. THE ADIVASI ACADEMY AT TEJGADH

Grover's work at the Adivasi Academy at Tejgadh in Eastern

Gujarat , (constructed over 15,000 sq. ft.) commissioned in the 90s
by its founder, Dr G. N. Devy, gave him the opportunity to express
many of his ideas for saving water and energy , while providing an
architectural concept in keeping with the function of the centre. The
aim of the academy is to provide tribal people with basic education,
training in healthcare and a means of preserving their cultural
heritage of language, craft, dance and music.

The design is somewhat anthropomorphic, with a head and arms that

embrace the dry and rocky terrain of the country side. Channels
outside collect rain water, which is fed into a dam, providing an extra
supply of water. The centre's cooking facilities use solar power and
washing- up water is filtered and turned into compost. Jalis and
courtyards provide cool air and light to the interior. The double-height
space of the library (20 feet) is supported on brick piers. Brick support
arches, at the entrance, give access to two separate areas, that of the
museum on the one side and on the other, the administrative and
teaching rooms, leading on to the medical facilities.

Local red brick from Ghodara is used throughout and playful geometric patterns are
used to enliven the jails in the museum and outdoor teaching area. Kotah stone from
Rajasthan provides cool floor tiles and painted wooden chattai window frames, in tribal
colours, enhance the overall vernacular effect of the centre. Where possible,
windows are not glazed but are covered by bamboo and reed lattice work,
reminiscent of window construction in tribal villages.

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 8. SHROFF HOUSE

In an ever-evolving progression, Grover's latest brick

construction, the Shroff House (2011), is on an even
larger scale, with monumental proportions. Almost devoid
of decoration, apart from a cornice that ties the design
together, it allows the form itself to express its own
integrity. Elements that are constant in all his domestic
architecture, however, are the use of the courtyard for
light and the jail screen for shade and cool air.

The house is situated about half- an-hour from Baroda , on the Mahapura Ampad Road. In contrast
to his first house design for Rini Dhumal , this is a large complex, devoid of decora t io n , one where
brick is used to create a stark and daring effect. Facing the entrance is a separate residential block
for staff and this has been screened by a jali wall with decorative apertures, similar to some of the
effects at Tejgadh. "Imagine this at night,” says Grover, "lit by hundreds of diyas - a wall of light at
the entrance to the house.”

The ceilings inside are of the maximum

14-and-a-half feet (4. 5m) height
allowed by building regulations.
This is important for ventilation, as hot
air rises, cool air is drawn in. Walls are
painted white and give ample space for
the family's art collection, which spills
out onto the corridors of the courtyard.
The open-plan design allows for a free
flow of space, broken up by intimate
areas of sofas and chairs, imported
from China.

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In this structure, brick expresses its capabilities as pure
monumental form, containing and defining space in large
volumes and providing a dynamic setting for the family’s
collection of art works.

Grover's use of brick is endlessly inventive. His concern

for providing light and conserving energy and his ability to
integrate these aspects into the design is fundamental to
his work. Although not a believer in Vastu Shastra, Grover
feels that if an architect is sensitive to site, context and
climate, his design will fulfil all the criteria of this science.

"I strongly believe that if architects build with respect to

the land and respect to the materials they use and with
respect to the climate, then their buildings will by and
large be Vastu-compliant," he says.

Over a 30-year period, he has moved away from the

decorativeness of the small scale towards a powerful
expressiveness. Brick provides the means for this
diversity and minimalism, stripping away artifice and
giving pure form a unique language.

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 9. Conclusion

For centuries, bricks have been the literal and figurative building blocks of communities across the globe.
The first fired bricks appeared sometime around 5,000 B.C., and they've remained one of the longest-lasting,
strongest, and most aesthetically-pleasing materials around. And since the development of brick, it's been
covered with marble or other stone, layered with plaster and lath, coated with whitewash, and most recently
in interior renovations of existing buildings, revealed and left exposed.

Exposed brick masonry work can be an attractive work of art yet at the same time it can send a bold and
strong image of the building. Over the years exposed brick finishes have come on and off of style but it has
never gone unnoticed. It has become an important part of the architectural history and is the key element for
many monumental structures.
Brick finishes have also proven to be environmentally friendly. It consists of the most common materials of
the earth: clay and water. In addition, the bricks can be reused. It is also a very good solution for heat radiation
reduction in hot places.

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