Whilst bricks have been traditionally produced in a number of regions across France, the use of traditional bricks has its true origins far from our homes…

A natural product, originally from the Middle East

La grande muraille de chine et l'emploi de la brique traditionnelleMillennia before our time, bricks were made exclusively from natural clay in the Middle East.
They were first used unfired (around 10,000 B.C.) but were later fired to increase their strength.

Three major monuments show signs of early use of bricks:
• The great wall of China
• The structure of the Coliseum in Rome
• The Hagia Sophia basilica in Istanbul

The Romans were the first to introduce them into our regions and, even if their use did become rare for a few centuries, they have been commonly used since the 12th century and remain popular to this day…

How are traditional bricks made?

cuisson au four de la brique traditionnelleThe traditional brick is made by firing a volume of clay at a specific temperature. This firing temperature varies from 1000° C to 1150° C depending on the type of clay used.

At this temperature the clay particles start to melt and agglomerate together to form a hard stone-like material. Precise firing procedures ensure the resistance of the brick and vary depending on the type of clay used.

A millennia-old product made using ultra-modern techniques.

Even if bricks are “as old as the houses”, their manufacture now involves techniques that are ultra-modern.

Clay extraction, mixing and dosing, moulding or extruding, drying and firing all require modern precision techniques.

Genuine hand moulded bricks: ancient craftsmanship

Originally the craftsman took a volume of clay and placed it in to a wooden mould which had been first coated with sand. They then press the clay into the mould, removing the excess and then turn the mould upside down to release the unfired brick. Each brick was unique… This production method has now become extremely rare.

Bricks today

la brique traditionnelle aujourd'huiThe craftsman’s workshop and the varied quality of its production has now been replaced by industrial manufacturing processes which guarantee quality standards. A number of different processes are now used including moulding, press and extrusion techniques depending on requirements.

The aspect, colour and finish can vary greatly; different blends of clay can produce many subtle shades. These varying techniques can produce rough looking bricks to imitate the handed moulded bricks of old or regular finished bricks to suit more modern styles.

In addition to this, the specific functions that they serve have been preserved in their names, such as for non-face bricks which are used for their insulation and physical properties. These “bricks” can be identified by their large size.