J Adams meets T Jefferson

From search to identity

As architect and client, Katrien Vandevelde and her partner faced a clear challenge: finding a facing brick that was not only strong aesthetically, but also practical and durable. The grey bricks available on the market felt too predictable: often too long, too porous or used too often in other projects. Through social media and reference projects she found her way to Joseph Bricks. What began as a visit to see the Franklin ended with the discovery of two brand-new series: J Adams and T Jefferson.

Why the J Adams?

Initially, the preference went strongly to the J Adams. Its colour, its shape and above all its low porosity made an impression. For Katrien Vandevelde it was crucial to have a brick without any risk of efflorescence. The craftsmanship and technical explanations of the Joseph Bricks team gave her confidence. Yet the T Jefferson kept drawing her in: its tones and nuances added liveliness and depth to the façade.

So the final choice was not J Adams or T Jefferson, but a mix of both. The result? A façade that brings together the robustness and refinement of the J Adams with the warm shading and subtlety of the T Jefferson.

The process and the execution

The bricks were laid by a contractor. Although the hardness of the brick made cutting more demanding, the random bond and the limited cutting waste kept things running smoothly. The 12 mm joint was a deliberate choice to accentuate the lines in the façade. For Katrien Vandevelde, pointed joints were a must: they gave the façade a clean yet warm look, and left room for accents such as open joints above the windows.

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. The shape returns not only in the façade but also in the interior, creating a harmonious whole. The horizontal joints were deliberately raked out, revealing fine lines in the façade. This gives the whole a look that is clean and contemporary, yet crafted.

A smooth collaboration

Katrien Vandevelde describes the collaboration with Joseph Bricks as very positive. From the first contact, the approach felt professional and personal. The team took plenty of time to show the production process, answer questions and provide samples. Although the market and energy prices fluctuated strongly during construction, agreements on price and delivery remained clear and reliable.

The result

Today the house is more than the sum of its materials. The combination of J Adams and T Jefferson gave the façade a character of its own: strong and nuanced, clean and warm. A choice that not only works aesthetically, but also draws admiration from passers-by.