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The Importance of Blending Brick from Multiple Cubes
Embracing the Beauty of Brick: The Importance of Blending
Brick is a timeless and natural building material, known for its rich texture, enduring strength, and unique character. One of the things that makes brick so special is its subtle variations in color, texture, and shading—each piece tells its own story. These natural differences are not imperfections; they’re part of what gives brick its charm and visual appeal.
Why Blending Is Key to a Beautiful Finish
Because brick is made from natural materials and shaped by production methods like kiln firing, each cube can exhibit slight variations. These differences add depth and personality to a project—but to make the most of them, proper blending is essential.
If bricks from just one cube are used in a single area, color variation may appear more concentrated, creating uneven patches. By blending bricks from multiple cubes throughout the build, you ensure a more balanced, consistent, and visually pleasing look. Think of it like laying hardwood flooring—you’d pull boards from several boxes to create a smooth, natural flow. The same principle applies to brick!
Tips for a Seamless, Harmonious Look
To get the best results, try these simple steps:
- Mix from Multiple Cubes or Boxes: During installation, alternate bricks from different sources to even out color variations.
- Plan Ahead: Take a moment to lay out your bricks before starting, and distribute lighter and darker shades evenly across the space.
- Mock Up a Sample Wall: A test section can be a helpful preview, allowing you to fine-tune the look before full installation.
Bringing It All Together
Blending bricks from multiple cubes isn’t just a technical step—it’s a design choice that elevates your entire project. With a little planning and care, you can showcase the natural beauty of brick while creating a cohesive, polished result. Whether you're building a home, a fireplace, or a garden wall, thoughtful blending helps you make the most of this stunning and enduring material.
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Stretching the Limits of Design: Long Format, Linear Bricks
Stretching the Limits of Design: Roman Maximus, San Selmo Corso, and Summit Long Format, Linear Bricks
In the world of modern architecture and design, long format brick is making a bold statement. At Glen-Gery, we’re proud to lead the trend with three exceptional product lines: the Roman Maximus Collection, the San Selmo Corso Collection, and the Summit Series. These elongated bricks offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic while retaining the timeless appeal and durability of traditional masonry.
What Is Long Format Brick?
People know long format brick, also called linear, for its longer length and shorter height than standard bricks. This proportion creates a refined, minimalist look that emphasizes clean horizontal lines, making it ideal for modern residential and commercial architecture.
Long bricks are increasingly popular among architects and designers for their ability to:
- Visually elongate structures
- Create striking shadow lines and textures
- Deliver a custom, high-end appearance
Whether used for exterior facades or interior feature walls, long format brick delivers unparalleled design versatility.
Roman Maximus: The Boldest Expression of Length
The Roman Maximus Collection is Glen-Gery’s longest brick offering to date, measuring 3-5/8" x 1-5/8" x 23-5/8". This ultra-long format adds dramatic scale and architectural elegance to any project.
Key features of Roman Maximus:
- Available in several distinct color tones, from earthy neutrals to cool industrial grays
- Manufactured with precision for consistent lines and smooth installation
- Ideal for designers seeking to make a strong visual impact with modern materials
Roman Maximus products are typically laid in a Sicilian bond pattern. In order to facilitate a Sicilian bond pattern, where no header joints align, the packages include 15% random lengths (4”, 6”, 8” 16”, 18”, 20”) and 15% Roman size (3 5/8” x 1 5/8” x 11 5/8”) brick for use on corners when covered headers are needed.
Roman Maximus is the perfect choice for high-concept projects where minimalism meets masonry. Its bold scale complements a variety of materials, including glass, steel, and concrete.
San Selmo Corso: European Craftsmanship in a Long Format Brick
The San Selmo Corso Collection is made in Italy using old techniques. It provides a unique style for long format bricks. Each unit measures approximately 3-15/16″ × 1-9/16″ × 19-11/16″, delivering a sophisticated look with subtle variations in texture and tone.
Why designers love San Selmo Corso:
- Rich, textured surfaces and unique color blends
- Fired in traditional kilns for a genuine clay finish
- Evokes a sense of European elegance and old-world charm
From luxury homes to boutique retail spaces, San Selmo Corso adds warmth and character to contemporary designs.
Summit Series: Manufactured locally in Rocky Ridge, Maryland
The Summit Series of long, linear brick creates a captivating and rugged aesthetic, showcasing a rich tapestry of varied coloring. The interplay of earthy tones lends depth and character to the structure, while the uneven texture and irregular edges provide a tactile experience that speaks to the raw beauty of the material. Each unit is 3-5/8” x 1-5/8” x 17-5/8”, estimated 4 brick per square foot.
Standout elements of the Summit Series:
- Elongated, linear form creates striking lines in brickwork
- Rugged aesthetic with varied coloring
- Style-forward range with multiple shades for versatile palettes
Interior/exterior applications for high end housing with modern/contemporary design. All commercial application types including education, healthcare, retail and office spaces.
Why Choose Long Format?
At Glen-Gery, we’re known for combining architectural innovation with the heritage of brick craftsmanship. Roman Maximus, San Selmo Corso, and Summit are manufactured or curated with the highest attention to detail, ensuring exceptional performance and beauty.
Benefits of choosing Glen-Gery long format bricks:
- Backed by over a century of brickmaking expertise
- Available in a range of colors, finishes, and surface textures
- Supported by technical documentation and expert guidance
Whether you're designing a modern masterpiece or reimagining a classic build, Glen-Gery’s long, linear bricks offer the design flexibility and durability you need.
Start Building Today
Ready to elevate your next project with long format brick? Explore the full range of Roman Maximus, San Selmo Corso, and Summit bricks on our website or visit a Brickworks Design Studio near you to see these collections in person.
👉 View Roman Maximus Collection
👉 View San Selmo Corso Collection
👉 View Summit Series Collection
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How Lighting Affects the Color and Look of Brick
Brick is a timeless building material known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, one often overlooked factor that significantly impacts the look of brick in both interior and exterior applications is lighting. Natural and artificial lighting can alter the color perception, texture, and overall ambiance of brick surfaces. Understanding these effects can help homeowners, designers, and architects make informed decisions when selecting and installing brick.
The Impact of Natural Light on Brick
Natural sunlight shifts throughout the day, affecting how brick appears at different times. Here’s how:
- Morning Light: Soft and warm, morning sunlight enhances reds and oranges in brick, making them appear more vibrant.
- Midday Light: Direct sunlight at noon can wash out brick colors, making them look lighter and sometimes harsher, especially in bright summer months.
- Evening Light: As the sun sets, golden hues dominate, giving brick a richer, warmer appearance.
- Shadows and Orientation: The direction a brick surface faces (north, south, east, or west) affects how much light it receives, altering its perceived color. North-facing bricks often appear cooler, while south-facing bricks receive more direct sunlight and may appear brighter.
Artificial Lighting and Brick Interiors
Indoor brick surfaces are heavily influenced by artificial lighting, which can dramatically change their look:
- Warm Lighting (Incandescent & Soft LED): Enhances warm tones like red, orange, and brown, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Cool Lighting (Daylight LED & Fluorescent): Can mute warm brick tones, giving them a subdued or even slightly grayish appearance.
- Directional Lighting: Spotlights or wall-mounted fixtures create shadows that highlight brick texture and depth, adding character to the space.
- Dimmers: Adjustable lighting allows for changes in mood and color perception, making brick appear different based on brightness levels.
Outdoor Brick and Nighttime Illumination
For exterior brick applications, artificial outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in how brick is perceived after dark:
- Uplighting: Positioned at the base of a brick wall, uplighting enhances texture and creates dramatic shadow effects.
- Downlighting: Mounted above, downlighting produces a softer, more natural glow, accentuating the color of the brick without harsh contrasts.
- Color Temperature Considerations: Warm outdoor lighting (2700K–3000K) enhances red and earthy brick tones, while cool lighting (4000K+) can make brick appear more muted or modern.
Choosing the Right Brick and Lighting Combination
To achieve the desired look, consider testing brick samples under different lighting conditions before finalizing a selection. A brick that looks perfect in a showroom might appear completely different when installed in a naturally lit space or under artificial lights.
Final Thoughts
Lighting is an essential element that influences the color and look of brick in both interior and exterior applications. Whether relying on natural sunlight or artificial illumination, understanding these effects can help maximize the aesthetic potential of brick surfaces. Thoughtful lighting choices ensure that the beauty and character of brick remain consistent in any setting, enhancing both functionality and design.
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Why Firefighters Choose Brick
The video Why Firefighters Choose Brick by the Brick Industry Association highlights the unmatched fire-resistant qualities of brick. Featuring insights from experienced firefighters, the video explains how brick buildings provide superior protection against fire, giving occupants more time to escape and reducing property damage. With real-world examples and expert testimony, it reinforces why brick is a safer, more reliable choice for building construction.
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Brick Stands For Good
The video Brick Stands for Good by the Brick Industry Association highlights the enduring benefits of brick as a building material. It showcases how brick contributes to sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal while supporting local economies and communities. Through expert insights and real-world examples, the video reinforces why brick remains a trusted choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike.
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