Brickslips vs Precast: Modern Brick Finish Façades
This seminar explores a groundbreaking brick façade project delivered in one of the most constrained urban environments imaginable—the narrow streets of central London.
The seminar explains how this system enabled rapid installation without permanent external access, while delivering high levels of precision, architectural flexibility, and buildability. Using this real-world case study, we examine how precast façades accommodate complex window arrangements, detailed head reveals, parapets, and corner conditions—challenges that are difficult or impossible to resolve with conventional brick systems. Particular attention is given to brick bond freedom, including the ability to achieve non-traditional patterns without structural or rail constraints.
This seminar is essential for architects, structural engineers, and building scientists seeking a deeper understanding of how façade systems behave—not just in theory, but under the real-world pressures of complex sites and demanding architectural intent.
Understand how site constraints influence façade system selection
Explain the construction principles of precast concrete façades with brick slips
Compare façade systems based on access, speed, and buildability
Evaluate window integration strategies in prefabricated façades
Analyse detailing advantages of precast concrete façades
Assess flexibility in brick bond and façade aesthetics
Understand movement joint challenges and solutions in precast façades
Critically assess embodied carbon implications of façade choices
Identify broader façade performance considerations
Apply lessons from the case study to real-world projects
Course Overview
Course Objectives
How to Navigate the Learning Materials
Introduction
Interactive 3D detail - Slab Zone brickslips
Interactive 3D detail - Slab Zone precast conctere
Webinar
Post-Lecture Reading List
Knowledge Check
Certificate: Download & Share
Certificate