Bringing designer brick façades to life in half the time

Written by

02 October 2023

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4 min read

Robertson Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay has the potential to transform the way and speed at which buildings are designed and constructed. This innovative product by Robertson’s Building Products’ subsidiary – Robertson Façade Systems – offers numerous benefits, from cost savings and efficiency to enhanced design at every turn.

Introducing the innovative product currently making waves in the design and construction industry: Robertson’s Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay, a revolutionary system of embedding thin bricks into precast concrete panels during manufacture.

With the potential to transform how buildings are designed and constructed, ArchiPro delves into the details of this innovative solution and its benefits for the industry.

Robertson's Building Products provides innovative, customised wall and floor solutions to help architects, designers, builders and homeowners meet the challenges of the built environment. Founded by Peter Robertson (previous owner of the highly regarded Daniel Robertson Bricks), who saw a need for innovative products that create high-impact solutions to pain points within the building industry.

Robertson’s Building Products’ brick tiles are the perfect thin brick solution for use in Robertson Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay.

Brick Inlay explained

Brick Inlay is a method of embedding thin brick into precast concrete during panel manufacture compared to on-site and doesn’t require all the things normal bricklaying requires.

“You don't need scaffolding; you haven't got the material handling issues for sand, cement, brick, broken brick; the amenities for the bricklayers; the brick cleaners; the labourers; the space walls that are required,” says Peter Robertson, Founder of Robertson’s Building Products and Director of Robertson Façades Systems.

“And then for smaller bits of lintels over windows and doors, the brick cleaning and brick ties – there are a whole lot of little things that go into making a brick wall which you just don't have to consider with our method,” Robertson continues.

“To have a wall that can be erected in a modular way, probably at a speedier rate than traditional brick could be constructed in; we've had projects where the buildings go up a floor a week, which is really efficient.”

Brick Inlay provided the flexibility needed to meet Fieldwork's unique facade design.

St. Francis Xavier College, featuring Robertson's grey brick and glazed blue tiles.

The benefits of Brick Inlay

Robertson Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay is an inventive technique that eliminates the need for traditional bricklaying processes, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for building exteriors. This process of embedding thin bricks into precast concrete panels during the manufacturing stage provides several advantages over conventional bricklaying:

Elimination of scaffolding: Unlike traditional bricklaying, which requires extensive scaffolding for workers, Brick Inlay doesn't need scaffolding. This not only reduces costs but also simplifies the construction process.
Reduced labour and material handling: Brick Inlay minimises the need for a large workforce, including bricklayers and labourers. Additionally, it eliminates material handling issues related to sand, cement, broken bricks, and other materials used in traditional bricklaying.
Space efficiency: Traditional brick walls can be space-intensive due to the requirements of bricklayers and other amenities. Brick Inlay minimises these space requirements, making it ideal for projects with limited space.
Modular construction: Using precast concrete panels with embedded bricks allows for modular construction, significantly speeding up the building process.
Urban redevelopment: In inner-city areas with tight boundaries and restrictions on scaffolding, Brick Inlay offers a viable solution for building without encroaching on neighbouring properties.

Showcasing design versatility in Alphington, Victoria.

1788 Residences has set a new benchmark for architecture and luxury design in Double Bay using Robertson's Brick Inlay.

With the resurgence of brick in contemporary architecture, this innovative technique allows for more creative designs. Designers can experiment with different brick bonds, curves and patterns, creating unique facades that stand out in the urban or suburban landscapes.

This rustic grey Brick Inlay podium at 51 Langridge gives a clear nod to Collingwood’s industrial past.

The Lyric’s Brick Inlay façade of ash grey tiles pays homage to Fitzroy’s industrial character.

Brick’s timeless appeal

Beyond its cost-saving and efficiency advantages, Brick Inlay also enhances the aesthetic appeal of modern buildings. With the resurgence of brick in contemporary architecture, this innovative technique allows for more creative designs. Designers can experiment with different brick bonds, curves and patterns, creating unique facades that stand out in the urban or suburban landscapes.

“I think that brick, globally, is back in fashion and being used in more creative ways than it has been for a long time,” says Peter. “Brick Inlay allows designers to think more freely and effectively and use it as a textile to wrap around their vision of the shape, curves and all.”

Robertson Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay represents a significant leap forward in construction. Architects and builders now have versatile tools at their disposal to bring their design visions to life while streamlining the construction process. As innovation continues to reshape the industry, Brick Inlay is a prime example of how modern techniques can revolutionise traditional practices and open new possibilities in architecture and construction.

“In a way, the more difficult something is, the more interesting we find it,” says Peter. “We like to stretch the boundaries to create new solutions that allow architects to realise their vision.”

Learn more about Robertson Façade Systems’ Brick Inlay on ArchiPro.