> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acelabusa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Modern vs Traditional Brick

> Let's explore the evolution of brick technology, comparing traditional and modern approaches.

export const AndreBaros = () => <div className="flex space-x-6 items-center">
    <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/acelab/image/upload/v1786565555/lms-resources/andre-baros.jpg" alt="Andre Baros" className="m-0 aspect-square w-full max-w-[160px] shrink-0 rounded-full border object-cover object-center" />
    <div className="flex-1">
      <p className="mt-0">
        <strong>Andre Baros</strong>
      </p>
      <p className="text-sm">
        As Senior Director of Material Research at Acelab, Andre Baros brings 25
        years of architectural expertise to the intersection of materials and
        design excellence. His passion lies in understanding how the right
        materials transform good projects into great ones.
      </p>
      <ul className="mb-0 text-sm">
        <li>
          Shaped modern architectural projects across all scales at leading
          firms including HOK, Wheeler Kearns Architects, and SAR+
        </li>
        <li>
          Specializes in crafting thoughtful spaces that serve people, from
          intimate residential to large-scale commercial developments
        </li>
        <li>
          Leads Acelab's materials research initiative, advancing material
          intelligence for the future of architecture
        </li>
      </ul>
    </div>
  </div>;

## Introduction

In this course, we explore the fascinating evolution and versatility of brick technology, comparing traditional and modern approaches. The discussion spans from century-old manufacturers like Acme, Glen Gary, and Kushwa to cutting-edge applications in contemporary architecture.

### What You'll Learn:

* Traditional bricks have maintained remarkable consistency over the past century, with 125-year-old bricks being fully interchangeable with modern ones and showing minimal wear even after extensive use, making them excellent candidates for recycling in new projects
* Modern brick manufacturing has introduced innovative shapes, like Glen Gary's Roman Maximus line, which offers longer, linear designs and slightly softer textures, providing architects with new aesthetic possibilities while maintaining brick's core characteristics
* Thin brick technology has revolutionized modern construction by using only the essential wear layer (about 3/8 inch thick), delivering the same aesthetic and durability benefits as full bricks while significantly reducing weight and installation complexity, particularly in high-rise applications
* Contemporary architectural applications have expanded brick's versatility, with examples of innovative uses in roofing, wall cladding, and other exterior applications, demonstrating how this traditional material can be adapted for modern design requirements
* Installation systems have evolved to include modern solutions like tabs, making it easier to implement thin brick applications while maintaining the material's authentic appearance and durability

### About Your Host:

<AndreBaros />

## Video: Modern vs Traditional Brick

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## Add products to your library

Want to add products featured in this video to your Acelab Firm Library?

Click a manufacturer's name below to learn more:

* [Glen-Gery Corporation](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/glen-gery-corporation-5ff00cc48154484597ee1fee97d3)
* [Acme Brick Co.](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/acme-brick-co-df8748555f724a889ec3bfe7f9bd9c4e)
* [COORitalia](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/cooritalia-09acea54d8e94213ad5014eafc3209ec)
* [Boston Valley Terra Cotta](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/boston-valley-terra-cotta-5cef4775f9d54667bda256ee)
* [TABS Wall System](https://app.acelabusa.com/manufacturer/tabs-wall-system-5ce0259f8bc849bfa4c591b116009aaa)

Click to see other courses in the [Materials Exploration](/resources/material-science) series.