We live in a climate rigorously testing our preparadness and ability to resolve the problems associated with the changes of temperature and humidity. For instance in the period on turn of winter and spring, water can freeze several times daily penetrating and bursting any weak and improperly designed areas of the building. Such awareness discourages from looking forward to good luck i.e. warm winters by the end of the world and commands to use the recognized and reliable solutions.

   On the other hand, the living standard is continuously increased. The houses built of high quality materials protect us against rain, unfavourable temperature and noise. They incorporate roomy and bright interiors illuminated by uniquely designed windows openings being essential for the quality, style and character of the whole building.

   Among many less or more sophisticated architecture definitions, the definitions neatly combining humanistic ideas with engineering reality are extremely rare. The problem can be simplified defining the architecture as the art of connections to be resolved i.e. the interfaces between the nature and technology, outer and inner world, contacts between various materials, functions, textures or spaces.

   Analyzing those specific interfaces, passages and connections we can evaluate the quality of architecture in most easy manner. For instance in case of a particularly sensitive location – window framings.

   The window framings should be incorporated in a manner ensuring proper thermal protection, protection against water penetration, window head structure safety and meet aesthetical needs of the investor. All those problems can be resolved by means of solutions proposed by EkoKLINKIER  using ceramic facade bricks.

    The window framings design is the consequence of choice associated with the construction method for the whole façade. The window framings are an obvious complementary element of the façade wholly built of clinker bricks. In case of facades consisting of other materials, the details built of EkoKLINKIER  facade bricks are an effective method of technical problems solution and constitute a necessary accent or an unique feature and sometimes a very attractive ornament.

   Several types of facade bricks are manufactured by EkoKLINKIER. The effect and architectural expression is different in case of each type of bricks applied for the construction of window framings. Thanks to wide range of products the designers and investors can create minimalist houses characterized by elegant simplicity and respect towards quality of applied materials as well as easily acceptable and contest compatible conventional buildings. Independently on established design concept, the style and climate of the façade, said façade and its details built of the bricks from Bogdanka increase not only the quality of the building itself but also the quality of surrounding space.

   Straight bricks (PF type) are perfectly suitable for the construction of arch vaulted windows and door portals as well as for regular modern openings.  The possibility to cover wide openings encompassing the use of angular steel brackets – as the solution making us think of vanguard Dutch architecture- makes the arguments invalid that façade bricks are out of fashion and not modern.

   One side round bricks (type A) and one side chamfered bricks (type C) are used for the construction of soft openings creating light – and – shade effects in order to emphasize window cavity in the wall and to get more sunlight to the room.

   D type bricks are more decorative and called “gothic” bricks owing to their characteristic shape. D type bricks are perfectly suitable for the construction of historizing objects being compatible with the historical tissue. This seemingly most traditional element is the closest to contemporary developer trends consisting in the conversion of 19th century factories into prestigious offices, popular shopping centres “with spirit” and elegant lofts.

     The system of EkoKLINKIER window framings is complemented with the stools – inclined A type and P1, P2, P3 – rounded stools with drip flashings. They are incorporated in the building in order to protect the contact area between the wall and window against the influence of precipitation water as well as to facilitate the organization of construction site. Therefore there is no need to supplement the bricklaying works in the form of flashing.

   Except of their various shapes the façade bricks offered by EkoKLINKIER are characterized by diversified colour palette encompassing the scope from light sandy SIENA NOVA, amber colours of JANTAR MELANŻ and CARMEL MELANŻ up to dark brown and graphite MORENA. Therefore an unique windows framing can be created for instance as a result of contrast with window head or stool built in different colour. A dark element of the key can be incorporated into an arch built of light bricks or vive versa use the posts as coloured accents or insert ornaments consisting of single bricks in a colour differing from the colour of wall surface. The colour concept of the façade should be created in the architectonic design phase, its definition is required at the application for building permit.

   As mentioned in the beginning, the external wall of the building is a working and breathing organism, with many things happening in its contact area with the window openings. Using the tight, frost resistant and strong ceramic elements supplied by EkoKLINKIER we can find many solutions for said areas. Our final solution depends on the type of wall incorporating the opening i.e. is it a ventilated type or wall or not, what is the material used for the external layer of baffle, what is the depth of the window to be incorporated into the wall. 

   In case of non ventilated cavity wall, the window frames are often installed in the position protruding from the face of structural wall, in the thermal insulation space. The external facade made of linker bricks forms a reveal and the distance between the reveal and wind frame is masked with a quarter round. If the window frame is incorporated in the face of structural wall, façade bricks forming the reveal can be oriented with their side face at the angle of 90° to the plane of wall. If they have to be coplanar with the façade, they can be cut to proper dimension. The separation of the contact between the bricks laid on the linings and the structural wall by means of thermal insulation layer is important. In case of ventilated cavity wall, the linings can be made of bricks flushed with or protruding from external side of wall. Therefore the window frames can be incorporated in any position.

   Facade details can be formed individually. The window framings can be created as a sculpture, using light – and – shade effects or as modern simple solutions. The details consisting of EkoKLINKIER ceramic  elements will be the challenge for every designer. Unfortunately it happens that the investors relinquish the preparation of detailed (working) design, but the details must be defined precisely in order to enable correct elaboration of window framings. As a result, we will be able to achieve perfect aesthetical effects and to ensure top quality of technical solutions.

    Therefore we have to remember that in case of the construction of window framings consisting of façade bricks, the extreme elements should be anchored in every second joint by means of anchors made of stainless steel. The window heads and parapets should be provided with drip flashings. The contact areas between the elements of ceramic stool and window or door threshold should be sealed with fire resistant and permanently plastic compound or with properly selected mortar. The ends of parapets sides should be sealed and correspondingly profiled in order to prevent the penetration of water flowing off the window frames under the skin of the building.

    Deciding to use the material with so huge possibilities like EkoKLINKIER bricks, it would be a worth – while effort to create individual solutions. “The introduction” of the façade into the interior as a result of proper execution of the openings framing and construction of a part of structural wall using the clinker bricks is a simple but an interesting idea. Therefore we can integrate the whole solution with other interior elements for instance with fireplace, stairs, counter or balustrades.

The works created by immortal Frank Lloyd Wright can recommended as an inspiration. None of arches built of bricks and occurring in his projects was just “a small ordinary arch”. May be you will see the objects designed by a Japanese architect Toyo Ito. In one of his buildings he has cut out tens of irregular organic and oval openings. Imaging such house with facades built of clinker bricks, it would be hardly not to think about that amazing madness. And the effect would be absolutely certain.

Architect Tomasz Michalak