In conversation with architect Katrien Vandevelde: why Joseph Bricks?

Designing a home is more than lines on paper: it brings together vision, material and craftsmanship. What makes this project special is that architect Katrien Vandevelde was not only the designer but also the client. That dual role made choosing the right materials even more personal and important. For the façade, the choice fell firmly on Joseph Bricks. 

The search for a distinctive brick

As both client and architect, she explains how the choice for Joseph Bricks came about: "We were looking for a grey brick, but what the market offered felt a little worn. Always the same formats and looks. I also found the long formats from other manufacturers less practical: because of their natural curvature, you clearly see the irregularities. At Joseph Bricks we discovered a shorter linear format, which turned out to be much easier to work with."

Through references and social media, she eventually found her way to Joseph Bricks. The focus was initially on the Franklin, but during her visit to the showroom she was surprised by two new series: J Adams and T Jefferson.

"The J Adams made an immediate impression: the colour, the format and above all the low porosity were decisive. We absolutely did not want a porous brick with a risk of efflorescence or discolouration. At the same time, the T Jefferson appealed to us too: its warm nuances and subtle shading added liveliness and depth. In the end we did not choose J Adams or T Jefferson, but a combination of both."

The strength of two series in one

The façade became a blend of J Adams and T Jefferson, bringing strength and refinement together. The robust, clean-lined look of the J Adams was complemented by the warm shading of the T Jefferson. The result is a façade that looks both clean and natural, with character and nuance.

Laying and choice of joint

Because she was also her own client, she followed the build closely. The hardness of the bricks sometimes took extra effort when cutting, but she saw that as an advantage: "With the random bond we had to cut very little, so there was hardly any waste. In the end, it all went very smoothly."

A striking aspect was the deliberate choice of joint:
"I knew from the start that I wanted pointed joints. The 12 mm joint brings rhythm and structure to the façade and brings out the shape of the brick even more. We chose a clear 12 mm joint that runs like a recognisable line around the house. The head joints were deliberately kept thinner, for a refined result."

Architectural accents

A special element of the project is the arch at the entrance. Instead of a standard solution, it was made to measure with headers and a timber former, so the curve was executed precisely. This shape returns not only in the façade but also in the interior, creating a harmonious whole. The horizontal joints were also deliberately raked out, revealing fine lines that strengthen the crafted character.

Working with Joseph Bricks

In her view, the collaboration was particularly positive:
"We were warmly welcomed by the people at Joseph Bricks, who took plenty of time to show us the possibilities. We were allowed to see the production process and quickly received representative samples. That gave us confidence: the image we had in mind actually became reality." Despite the challenges in the market, she says Joseph Bricks remained reliable in its agreements on price and delivery.

Aesthetics and experience

What Katrien Vandevelde particularly values is how the combination of J Adams and T Jefferson works together:
"We did not want a smooth, flat brick. The J Adams brings crispness and durability, while the T Jefferson adds warmth and nuance. The façade looks modern, yet natural and timeless. The combination also fitted perfectly with our idea of letting the arch and the interior flow seamlessly into each other."

A convinced choice

Although other manufacturers were visited too, the choice was soon clear:
"Each time we compared with what we had seen at Joseph Bricks. And each time we came back to the combination of J Adams and T Jefferson. Everything simply fitted: the colour, the shape, the texture. It was the right match."

For Katrien Vandevelde, this project was all the more special because, as an architect, she designed and built her own home:
"When you are the client yourself, you want only the very best. You know you will live with your choices every day. With this house everything felt right: the bricks, the finish, the result. The combination of J Adams and T Jefferson gives our home a soul of its own."