J Adams meets T Jefferson: The power of two series in one
As an architect and builder, Katrien Vandevelde and her partner faced a clear challenge: finding a facing brick that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical and durable. 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 in the discovery of two brand new series: the J Adams and the T Jefferson.
Why the J Adams?
Initially, there was a strong preference for J Adams. 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 of the Joseph Bricks team gave her confidence. Yet the T Jefferson also continued to intrigue: the shades and nuances added extra vibrancy and depth to the façade.
The final choice was therefore not either J Adams or T Jefferson, but a mix 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 Implementation
The stones were processed by a contractor. Although the hardness of the stone made sawing more challenging, the choice of a random bond and the limited sawing 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 their own.
Architectural accents
A special element in the project is the arch at the entrance. Instead of standard solutions, a customised solution with cups and a wooden mould was chosen, resulting in a perfect curve. This shape is not only reflected in the façade, but also in the interior, creating a harmonious whole. A conscious decision was made to scrape out the horizontal joints, revealing fine lines in the façade. This gives the whole a sleek and modern look, but at the same time feels traditional.
A smooth collaboration
Katrien Vandevelde describes the collaboration with Joseph Bricks as very positive. From the very first contact, the approach felt professional and personal. The team took the time to show the production process, answer questions and provide samples. Although the market and energy prices fluctuated greatly during the construction period, agreements on price and delivery remained clear and reliable.
The result
Today, there is 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.