Simplifying specification: A quick guide to alternative facade solutions

Traditional brick construction will always have its place in the building envelope. But when it comes to facades, we’ve come a long way in devising beautiful, high-performance solutions that go beyond conventional design – solutions like Corium. So, join us as we delve a little deeper into specifying these alternative facade systems.

Driving for different

In any city across the UK, take a quick glance at the urban landscape around you, and it’s heartening to see how far British architecture has come, from the universal, uniform boxes of yesteryear. Today, we embrace global trends and influences, blur the boundaries of interior and exterior, and flood spaces with natural light and natural materials. Or at least, we aim to…

Alternative thinking in the facade

There remains a distinct gap between vision and reality for those of us in the architectural sphere – between concept and commercial reality that means that, often, the most aesthetically pleasing, high-performance facade ambitions can stumble or stall during the project lifecycle. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The most common reasons behind escalating construction costs and project creep are time and labour costs, and material availability. But, using alternative facade solutions like Corium, with widespread availability, easy installation, and rapid, responsive support, mean that these time and money sinks can be swiftly sidestepped. And it all starts with simplifying specification – so, let’s begin.

Unlocking creativity with Corium brick cladding

Corium is a brick tile cladding system that stretches creative possibilities further than ever in the facade space. Primarily comprising a rail system and brick tiles that click into place, it opens up the opportunity to combine colours, textures and patterns in new and unique ways, across feature surfaces or the wider building envelope – creating standout projects like Leeds Echo Central and Loughborough University. As you’d expect from this type of system, it’s quicker and easier to install than traditional brickwork – eliminating the compromise between creativity and cost.

Amalgamating alternative facades

Truly great building design doesn’t simply rely on one solution, however – some of the greatest facade schemes recombine and draw together multiple components and systems to create something unique. Which is why Corium is easy to use together, both from a single-source specification point of view, as well as speed of installation. Both can also combine with traditional brick and block to bring the best of both alternatives and mainstream together.

It’s all about experimenting to find what works best for design and installation alike, as well as for the long-term performance of your building. And it’s here that specialist specifier support can be invaluable.

Specification, simplified

At Wienerberger Facades, we don’t see the building envelope as the finishing touch of a construction project – we see it as a core feature of the architecture, requiring consideration from the concept stage. That’s why our specification and technical team guide you through the process, from specification and selection of BBA-certified, A-rated facade components, through to ordering and ongoing support, streamlining the whole project timeline – just as Corium streamlines installation.

This includes speedy, sustainable samples: helping you get the product samples you need to scope your project and secure buy-in faster, while working with your design team to create a uniquely bespoke solution that brings the best in alternative facade thinking to your project.

It’s simple to start specifying alternative facade solutions with Wienerberger Facades. Explore the full range of our Corium Cladding or get in touch right now using the form below.