Waterstruck Long Format Smoked Bricks vs. Standard Facing Bricks
Waterstruck long format smoked bricks are becoming increasingly popular in modern architecture. Architects and designers value these bricks for their distinctive texture, elongated proportions, and deep colour variations. Compared to standard facing bricks, they offer greater design flexibility and a more refined architectural appearance.
In this article, we explain the advantages of waterstruck long format smoked bricks and why they are often chosen for contemporary façade design.
What Are Waterstruck Long Format Smoked Bricks?
Waterstruck long format smoked bricks combine three important characteristics that influence their appearance and performance.
Waterstruck bricks are produced using traditional moulds that are wetted with water before the clay is pressed into them. This technique creates a natural, slightly irregular texture that gives the bricks a handcrafted look.
Long format bricks are longer and slimmer than standard bricks. Their proportions create strong horizontal lines and a modern façade aesthetic.
Smoked bricks undergo an additional finishing stage in the kiln where the bricks are exposed to controlled conditions that create deeper tones and natural colour variations.
The result is a brick that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary architectural design.
Key Advantages of Waterstruck Long Format Smoked Bricks
A Modern Architectural Appearance
Long format bricks create a sleek and contemporary façade. Their elongated shape emphasises horizontal lines, which can visually extend the building and give it a more refined architectural character.
Compared to standard facing bricks, long format bricks:
create cleaner façade lines
provide a more modern architectural style
allow architects to design minimalist brick façades
Natural Texture and Character
The waterstruck production method produces a slightly irregular surface that gives each brick a unique appearance. This texture creates subtle shadows and depth across the façade.
Benefits of waterstruck bricks include:
a natural, handcrafted look
increased visual depth and variation
façades that change appearance depending on light conditions
Rich Colour Variation with Smoked Bricks
The smoking process enhances the colour of the brick by creating deep shades and subtle tonal variations. This gives the façade a richer and more dynamic appearance.
Smoked bricks are known for:
deeper, more natural colours
subtle variations between bricks
façades that appear lively rather than uniform
This makes them especially popular for high-end residential architecture and contemporary buildings.
Fewer Mortar Joints
Because long format bricks cover more surface area, they require fewer vertical joints than standard facing bricks.
This results in:
a cleaner and calmer façade
greater emphasis on the brick material itself
a more continuous visual appearance
Ideal for Contemporary Façade Design
Waterstruck long format smoked bricks are widely used in projects where architectural expression and material quality are key.
They are particularly suitable for:
modern residential buildings
architectural villas
commercial architecture
minimalist brick façades
Their proportions allow architects to create refined brickwork patterns and elegant façade detailing.
While standard facing bricks remain a widely used and practical building material, waterstruck long format smoked bricks offer clear advantages for contemporary architecture. Their elongated shape, natural texture, and rich colour variations create façades that are both modern and visually distinctive.
For architects seeking a high-quality brick with character, depth, and architectural presence, waterstruck long format smoked bricks are an excellent choice.