J Adams meets T Jefferson: The power of two in one
J Adams meets T Jefferson: The power of two in one
As an architect and developer Katrien Vandevalde and her husband had an clear challenge: finding a facing brick that is not only aesthetically pleasing but practical and durable also -. The grey bricks available on the market felt too predictable – often too long, too porous or overused in other projects. Through social media and reference projects she ended up at Joseph Bricks. What started as a visit to view the Franklin- brick, ended up being the discovery of two brand-new bricks: the J Adams and T Jefferson.
Why the combination of J Adams and T Jefferson?
Initially, the J Adams was the clear favourite. The colour, shape and, above all, limited porosity made an impression. For Katrien Vandevelde, it was crucial to have a brick without the risk of efflorescence. The craftsmanship and technical explanation provided by the Joseph Bricks team inspired confidence. However, the T Jefferson also remained appealing, with its shades and nuances adding extra vibrancy and depth to the façade.
The final choice was therefore neither J Adams nor T Jefferson, but a combination of both. The result? A façade that combines the best of both worlds: the robustness and refinement of J Adams with the warm shades and subtlety of T Jefferson.
The process and execution
The stones were processed by a contractor. Although the hardness of the stone made cutting more challenging, the choice of a wild bond and the limited cutting losses ensured that the work proceeded smoothly. The joint thickness of 12 mm was deliberately chosen to accentuate the lines in the façade. For Katrien Vandevelde, jointing was an absolute must: it gave the façade a sleek but warm appearance and left room for accents such as open joints above windows to come into full effect.
Architectural accents
A special feature of the project is the arch at the entrance. Rather than using standard solutions, a customised design with cups and a wooden mould was chosen, resulting in a perfect curve. This shape is reflected not only in the façade but also in the interior, creating a harmonious ensemble. In addition the choice to scrape out the horizontal joints was made deliberatly, this way fine lines became visible in the façade. The result is a façade that looks sober, modern and traditional at the same time.
Flawless collaboration
Katrien Vandevelde describes the collaboration with Joseph Bricks as very pleasant. From the very first contact, the approach felt professional and personal. The team took the time to demonstrate the production process, answer questions and provide samples. Although the market and energy prices fluctuated significantly during the construction period, agreements on price and delivery remained clear and reliable.
The result
Today, there stands a house that is more than the sum of its materials. The combination of J Adams and T Jefferson gave the façade a unique character, powerful yet nuanced, sleek yet warm. A choice that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also arouses admiration among passers-by.