How do you design a modern high rise residential building to fit into a traditional, old world neighborhood? You put the versatility of brick in the hands of skilled architects and designers, that’s how.

ODA New York was faced with that challenge at 371 Broadway in Manhattan’s historic Tribeca neighborhood. Seizing on Tribeca’s prominent cast iron craftsmanship, ODA used custom-made brick shapes from Sioux City Brick in a basket weave pattern as an expression of the neighborhood’s past.

Suppose you work for an architecture or design firm that has completed a project with a building exterior or pavement that is predominantly clay brick. You’re rightfully proud of this project. Where do you go for recognition? Acknowledgement by your peers would be nice. Kudos from the authority on clay brick construction in the U.S. would be great. Coming out on top among the best of similar brick projects from all around the country would be AMAZING.

As a region of the national Brick Industry Association (BIA), Heartland Brick can direct you to some amazing resources offered by the BIA at a national level. Many of you may already be familiar with BIA’s Technical Notes, the most comprehensive library of technical information about designing and building with brick anywhere online (see our recent post for more info). But, did you also know BIA offers free online continuing education to architects?

Quick…what’s the most stable brick bond pattern? Which type of mortar has the highest compressive strength? What’s the maximum recommended distance between vertical expansion joints on a brick facade?

How many answers did you have off the top of your head? None? Congratulations, you’re human. As an architect or designer you have a lot going on in your head. Let us save you some brain space. All you need to remember is that clay brick is unmatched when it comes to beauty, design flexibility, permanence, and sustainability. For the rest, go to the Technical Notes!

The Solaire in Manhattan’s Battery Park City, completed in 2003, was the first “green” residential high-rise in the U.S. It’s gold-level certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is owed in part to its cladding of red brick which contributed to the building’s LEED score as both a regional material and one with recycled content. The structure was honored by the American Institute of Architects as a 2004 Top Ten winner.

As a conscientious follower of TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, you probably know that anchored brick facades over wood framing are limited to 30’ in height. End of story, right? Not so.