Build in style, brick by brick

Bricks  — the backbone of constructed structures — have metamorphosed into design elements to add a distinctive touch to the interior as well as exterior surfaces. Even though clay bricks have been on the receiving end for the past few years due to their harmful eco impact, their demand has not been hit due to the affordability and durability factors. The brick-making industry in India, though largely unorganised, seems to have woken up to the environmental concerns and new techniques in manufacturing as well as marketing these are being adopted at a breakneck pace. Add to this the expansion in the ways of application and use of bricks in residential as well commercial buildings and the huge variety of colours, sizes and finishes available in the market, and you find that the brick market is on a roll. Fascia bricks are, no doubt, the trendsetters these days given their vast variety. “The decorative use of bricks has become a serious trend as India is now a globally integrated economy and more and more customers are getting exposure to global trends. This has even changed the way bricks are now marketed and purchased”, says Jagjit Sood, proprietor of The Brick Store — a brick boutique in Ludhiana. In an interview, he talks about the new trends in the brick market. Excerpts:   

What are the advantages of using fascia and clay bricks? 

Evolving trends in the building sector suggest that sustainability is one of the key focus areas. Clay bricks score a point as these are virtually maintenance free, provide high grade thermo-insulation and getting plumbing and electrical work done on these is easier. Moreover, amazing colours and variety of shapes and different textures make these an ideal choice to suit any type of building design and interior style.  

What are the different types of bricks that consumers can find in the market nowadays?

Primarily there are four types of bricks: Traditional whole bricks; extruded bricks; cladding tiles and cladding extruded tiles. While the traditional clay bricks are suitable for the basic structure of a building and are made in brick kilns, the extruded bricks are machine made and have more uniformity in design, size and colour. Cladding tiles and cladding extruded tiles are popular fascia materials that are thin and sleek. Besides these, bricks are available in various sizes from the smallest "Liliput" mini bricks to the giant "Linea", which is a very long format of brick that is currently a rage in Europe.

What is the price range?

The price range for the facades is in the range of Rs 150 to Rs 200 per square feet which is quite competitive compared to most of the facade materials like wood, stone, granite ACP etc

How is the concept of a brick boutique beneficial  for customers?

Selling bricks in a store reflects the maturity that is there in this market now. The main idea is to present a unique platform to see and understand various aspects of brick and brick laying along with various mortar/joint combinations to create  different designs. Here buyers and architects can also learn about the various types of bricks and their history. It also serves as a knowledge centre for providing information on various aspects of brick laying, cement sand combinations, mortar colours and providing a comprehensive support about handling of bricks and brick structures during and after the construction. The display panels help the buyers/architects to experience the “final” look and decide accordingly.  

What is the state of brick market in Punjab and what has been the impact of GST so far?

This is a consolidation phase for the industry in the state. Market experts foresee closure of around 60 per cent units due to low profit margins. It is important to control the costs and accept new technologies to create value-added products. 

GST is a welcome initiative which not only rationalises the cost, but also offers a level playing field all over India. In spite of the initial hiccups and some heartburning, cutomers are going to realise the benefits of GST in the near future. Its impact so far has been neutral as VAT rates have been retained.

What future do you foresee for clay  brick segment?

As more people turn to natural materials, bricks have sprung back and caught the fancy of architects due to the unique advantages that these offer.  With labour being very expensive and energy conservation important, it is imperative to use materials which are maintenance free and energy efficient and also lend a character to exterior as well as interior walls. 

— As told to Geetu Vaid