Glen-Gery Debuts Inaugural Brick Color of the Year with Pitt Café Series

Series features four new colors, tapping inspiration from 2023’s nature-inspired color and design trends

Wyomissing, Pa. (December 20, 2022) — Glen-Gery, one of North America’s oldest brick manufacturers and a Brickworks North American company, announced the debut of its inaugural Brick Color of the Year for 2023 with its Pitt Cafe Series, drawing inspiration from 2023’s nature-inspired color and design trends that embody warmth, coziness and texture.

“The New Year will be characterized with warm, earth tones; impactful yet authentic textures and finishes; and blushing pops of color,” said Denise Smith, marketing manager for Glen-Gery. “As a premier brand, Glen-Gery is constantly monitoring and evaluating current and forthcoming trends, which is why we’re thrilled to debut our first-ever Brick Color of the Year that applies the trends we’re seeing from fashion and home decor to a new building medium.”

Available now for purchase, the Pitt Cafe Series features four colors that are new to Glen-Gery, ranging from creamy whites to earth tones and brown-gray hues. They include:

• Earl Gray
• Americano
• Irish Creme
• Cafe Breve

“Homeowners can bring the aroma of their favorite cafe. into their own homes, invoking a feeling of hygge, warmth and coziness,” said Smith. “The series offers a menu of soft, neutral-toned bricks brewed to resemble the world’s favorite, comforting beverages.”

Used for both interior and exterior applications, brick is a popular building product due to its unique ability to balance form and function. As a building medium, homeowners benefit from its versatility, timelessness and character as well as its durability, sustainability and low-maintenance qualities.

The forthcoming Pitt Cafe Series will join the more than 600 brick and stone products offered by Glen-Gery in order to give architects, builders and homeowners endless design possibilities while remaining style-forward. To view the complete collection, visit https://www.glengery.com/2023-coty.

Glen-Gery Showcases New Brick Products Reflecting Latest Design Trends at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 (AIA24)

Washington, DC. (May 14, 2024) — Glen-Gery Corporation, a premier brick manufacturer that is part of Brickworks North America, will showcase the latest brick styles, colors and new products at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 (AIA24) in Washington D.C. on June 5-8, 2024.

Glen-Gery's booth, located at #1537, will highlight its diverse, premium product portfolio of high-end, stylish bricks from several collections, including Klaycoat, Glazed, International, Molded and Brick Shapes, via an elevated brick chip wall and interactive displays.

"We're eager to return to the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, where Glen-Gery will showcase our latest brick innovations, reflecting the cutting-edge trends in architectural design," said Tim Leese, director of marketing at Glen-Gery. "Our new booth will feature a diverse array of brick styles and colors, highlighting the craftsmanship and versatility that define Glen-Gery products. From timeless classics to bold new designs, our brick offerings are tailored to meet the unique needs of every project."

NEW & HOT PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

New for 2024, Glen-Gery's 2024 Brick Styles Catalog features more than 400 brick products, including:

NEW! Summit Series

The Summit Series features long, linear molded bricks (3 ⅝" x 1 ⅝" x 17 ⅝") to create a captivating yet rugged aesthetic while showcasing varied coloring. The interplay of earthy tones remains on trend yet offers design versatility that lends depth and character to building structures, while the uneven textures and molded edges provide a tactile experience. The line includes six shades: Rustique, Oyster Pointe, Sahara, Middle Plantation, King William and Royal Plum Full Range.

NEW! Cityscape Series

In the heart of the city landscape, genuine clay brick pavers stand as enduring testaments to tradition, resilience and timeless elegance, transforming city streetscapes into vibrant, inviting corridors of heritage and beauty. With a rich palette of colors, including Liberty Copper, Plum Plaza and Empire Blue, the Cityscape Series of genuine clay brick pavers allow for endless customization while ensuring durability and strength against weathering and heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for driveways, walkways, patios and landscaping projects.

Blue Smooth Ironspot (2024 Brick Color of the Year)

Glen-Gery's 2024 Brick Color of the Year, Blue Smooth Ironspot, is a dark, extruded face brick that not only exudes a sense of boldness but also shimmers and reflects light. Due to the growing popularity of darker bricks, Glen-Gery extended the line, offering more design possibilities with Blue Velour Ironspot, which has a subtly rougher texture. Both Blue Smooth Ironspot and Blue Velour Ironspot draw upon deep blue tones from nature, a trending theme in 2024.

Advanced Cladding Systems

Glen-Gery's Advanced Cladding Systems revolutionize modern architecture and construction, offering versatile solutions beyond traditional brick. These systems empower designers, architects and builders by transcending space, time and budget constraints while simplifying installation. Within this innovative suite are:
    •    Thin Tech, a metal panel support system for thin brick veneer, providing the warmth and durability of brick, and featuring patented support ties for mechanical interlocking.
    •    Tru-Brix, which expands thin brick veneer design possibilities with its patented snap-in steel-rail design, accommodating various creative features while reducing the weight and construction time of full-sized brick.
    •    Terraçade Ceramic Façade System, which combines practicality with aesthetics, simplifying design and installation processes while offering rainscreen performance, long-lasting vibrancy and compatibility with diverse architectural styles.

Thin Brick

Thin brick combines striking aesthetics with impressive durability, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use where it can serve as a focal point. Offering a wide range of over 100 color options and available in various sizes and thicknesses, thin brick provides unparalleled design flexibility. By removing constraints and offering a versatile alternative to traditional brick, thin brick opens new possibilities for architects seeking innovative building materials.

Molded Brick and Custom Shapes

Design is in the details as Glen-Gery's molded brick offers irregularly softened edges to build character and a sense of timelessness. The craft poured into each molded brick means that each one works in whatever space you need it to, whether it's residential, industrial or commercial. With unique design details that can scale to meet large and small requests, this is brick capable of enhancing architecture both classic and modern, grand and understated.

Glen-Gery also offers custom brick shapes to meet the specific needs of any project, showcasing the creative versatility of brick in architectural design. These meticulously crafted shapes, including water tables, sills, copings, corners and arches, enhance the visual appeal and functionality of buildings. With a focus on precision and durability, Glen-Gery's skilled craftsmen can produce tailored brick shapes to accommodate even the most imaginative designs. While the process may be more time-intensive and require detailed drawings for approval, the resulting product is unparalleled in its uniqueness and aesthetic impact.

DESIGN TOOLS AND PUBLICATIONS

Design Channel

To learn more about Glen-Gery and explore design inspirational content curated for the architectural and design community, visit the Glen-Gery Design Channel, which features Glen-Gery's podcast "Design Vault," project case studies, educational blogs and more.

Materiality 

To further provoke discussion and interest among architects and designers, Glen-Gery launched its first U.S. exclusive edition of Materiality, a publication that explores the use of bricks in contemporary architecture. This year's edition, Materiality: Brick in contemporary university architecture, highlights how architects and designers are using brick in campus and community architectural projects across the United States. As with previous volumes, this latest publication offers case studies, illustrated technical essays, and rich photographs and drawings that provide a high-level view of how the architect and designer imagined and executed their project.

ADDITIONAL BRAND ACTIVATIONS

Rocky Ridge Brick Factory Tour

On Wednesday, June 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., join Glen-Gery for an exclusive tour of its Rocky Ridge Brick Factory and witness the fascinating process of brick making from start to finish. This is a unique opportunity to explore the heart of Glen-Gery's operations, learn about the craftsmanship behind its products, and see firsthand the blend of tradition and innovation that sets its brick apart. Those interested in attending can reach out to events@glengery.com for more details and to register. 

Continuing Education (CE) Course 

The "Enhancing Thin Masonry Veneer: Metal Support Systems" session will take place on Thursday, June 6 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Inspire Zone Theatre. This session, presented by Leroy Danforth, wall systems research and development manager at Glen-Gery, will dive into the design and performance of metal backing systems that mechanically support thin masonry veneers. Attendees can expect to compare various metal support systems with traditionally laid face brick masonry, and review critical design and installation factors.

Coffee Cart & Lunch Truck

On Thursday, June 6 at approximately 8 a.m., AIA attendees can jump-start their day with a cold brew from a Glen-Gery sponsored coffee cart located outside of the Convention Center. Attendees can also visit the Glen-Gery booth to receive a drink ticket that can be redeemed at Compass Coffee, while supplies last. 

Show attendees are also encouraged to stop by a Glen-Gery-sponsored lunch truck located outside of the Convention Center on Thursday, June 6 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. to receive themed lunch items, while supplies last.

For more information, visit Glen-Gery at booth #1537 at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2024 and view press kit materials here.

Glen-Gery Launches First U.S. Exclusive Edition of Materiality Showcasing Contemporary University Architecture

Launch celebration introduces Glen-Gery’s architect collaboration program

Wyomissing, Pa. (April 18, 2024) — Glen-Gery Corporation, a premier brick manufacturer that is part of Brickworks North America, is pleased to launch the first U.S. exclusive edition of Materiality, a publication that explores the use of bricks in contemporary architecture. Materiality is intended to provoke discussion and interest among architects and designers, professionals and students, and the general reader.

This year’s edition, Materiality: Brick in contemporary university architecture, highlights how architects and designers are using brick in campus and community architectural
projects across the United States. As with previous volumes, this latest publication offers case studies, illustrated technical essays, and rich photographs and drawings that provide a high-level view of how the architect and designer imagined and executed their project. 

“In an era where architectural trends and materials come and go, brick’s enduring beauty, versatility and resilience stand out as a cornerstone in shaping structures that transcend time and inspire generations,” says Tim Leese, director of marketing for Brickworks North America. “Within its pages, Materiality: Brick in contemporary university architecture vividly illustrates this belief, showcasing the most exceptional architectural projects and designs from universities across the U.S."

Many projects within Materiality feature bricks made by Glen-Gery and showcase the technical nature of how bricks are artfully used and incorporated into outstanding building designs:

●    Zeppos Residential College at Vanderbilt University: A monumental 260,000-square-foot residential building with a collegiate gothic-style structure. Through the use of limestone details, patterned brick and a warm palette of interior materials, the building scale is humanizing and creates a series of public and private spaces, bringing comfort and familiarity to residents. 

●    The Iribe Center of Computer Science and Engineering at University of Maryland: Peeling back the layers of this building project, the two-part structure showcases the intricacies of the non-structural application of brick. Through the use of parametric modeling, an abstract pattern was translated into a system of brick that creates the illusion of movement along the interior walls.  

●    The Institute for Data Science at University of Rochester: As the signature focus of the University's strategic plan, the 61,000-square-foot research institute’s design treats each brick as a digital ‘pixel’ of information. Shadows from the projecting bricks activate the facades, creating dynamic, textural surfaces that communicate natural environment data across the days and seasons.    
                        
To celebrate the debut of Materiality, Glen-Gery will host a launch event at its global flagship Brickworks Design Studio in New York City on April 18, 2024. The exclusive event will include a discussion, “Shapes to the X Degree,” featuring several architects from across the U.S. The speakers, whose firms and projects are featured in Materiality, will discuss how unique architectural shapes and details can be achieved through the use of masonry.

The launch celebration will also mark the introduction of Glen-Gery’s inaugural architect collaboration program. Event attendees, including architects, designers and students, can enter for a chance to receive a one-of-a-kind collaboration opportunity with Glen-Gery to become an honorary member of its R&D Team. The chosen recipients of the program will have the chance to visit the company’s Mid-Atlantic factory in Pennsylvania where they will work with Glen-Gery to create a unique brick shape of their own design. This customized brick can then serve as the centerpiece for conceptual building project renderings or sketches.

“The latest edition of Materiality showcases the multifaceted role of brick beyond its function as a mere building block. Rather, it can become a catalyst for spaces that nurture creativity and enhance learning experiences. Introducing our first-ever architect collaboration program alongside the launch of Materiality underscores Glen-Gery’s commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of architects and designers,” said Leese.

To request a complimentary hard copy of Materiality, visit www.glengery.com/materiality. 
 

Glen-Gery Reveals 2024 Brick Color of the Year, Blue Smooth Ironspot

Blue-black brick reflects evolving design preference for natural, bolder shades

Wyomissing, Pa. (November 29, 2023) — Glen-Gery, one of North America’s oldest brick manufacturers and a Brickworks North American company, reveals its 2024 Brick Color of the Year, Blue Smooth Ironspot - a dark, extruded face brick that not only exudes a sense of boldness but also shimmers and reflects light.
 
“In 2023, there was a prevalence of nature-inspired color and design trends characterized by warm earth tones and textures. Next year, we foresee designers still having a desire to bring nature indoors but with a shift towards bolder colors, especially deep blue tones that add a fresh sense of tranquility,” said Denise Smith, marketing manager for Glen-Gery. "While 2024 embraces brighter shades, rich and moody colors will retain their popularity, playing a pivotal role in balancing lighter color palettes. These deeper hues will infuse spaces with warmth and comfort, while adding an elevated design aesthetic that can awaken your senses.”
 
After noticing a growing preference for darker bricks in its collection, Glen-Gery introduced Blue Smooth Ironspot as a part of the Sioux City Blues Series, a range of dark blue-black bricks that make any modern design a standout project. Varying weather and lighting brings out the inherent luster and sheen in each individual brick. 
 
In 2023, Glen-Gery announced its first-ever Brick Color of the Year, the Pitt Cafe Series, to help designers and homeowners incorporate anticipated color trends and achieve a modern design in their projects. Used for both interior and exterior applications, brick is a popular building product due to its unique ability to balance form and function. Brick offers benefits such as versatility, timelessness and character, in addition to its durable, sustainable and low-maintenance qualities.
 
Available now for purchase, Blue Smooth Ironspot is part of a portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products offered by Glen-Gery in order to give architects, builders and homeowners endless design possibilities while remaining style-forward. For more information on Glen-Gery’s 2024 Brick Color of the Year, click here.

Brickworks North America Enhances Presence Along East Coast with New Masonry Supply Center in Manassas

30,000-square-foot masonry supply center in Manassas, Virginia designed to meet all the project needs of builders, architects and homeowners under one roof

Manassas, VA. (April 12, 2023) — Brickworks North America, parent company of Glen-Gery Corporation, announced the opening of its new masonry supply center in Manassas, Virginia. The Manassas Supply Center is a carefully designed modern space, providing trade professionals and homeowners all the materials and tools needed for successful projects, while also fostering collaboration and education among architects and designers through engaging events.

Glen-Gery has a long history of manufacturing and distributing brick products in Virginia, having manufactured brick in Manassas since the 1950s. The company also kept the Glen-Gery Masonry Supply Center open on Godwin Drive until the new, rebranded store debuted this year. The newest Manassas Supply Center enhances the brand’s existing presence along the East Coast, following the previous launches of the Brickworks Design Studios in Philadelphia (2020), Baltimore (2021), and the global flagship location in New York City (2022).

“In August 2022, we rebranded all our Supply Center locations under the Brickworks name to unify and strengthen our direct distribution business,” said J.P. Blanchard, president, Brickworks North America. “Whether you’re an experienced builder, architect or a homeowner, our new Brickworks Supply Center in Manassas inspires curiosity and collaboration, while offering quality products and unmatched services to help take a project from start to finish in the most efficient and stylish way possible.”

Located at 7413 Cushing Road, Suite 100, the Manassas Supply Center’s 30,000-square-foot space is 5,000 square feet larger than the Des Moines Supply Center, the most recent Brickworks Supply Center which debuted in Spring 2021.

The new Manassas location includes:

• A consultation area where a team of experienced staff can offer professional advice on installation and design, review plans and guide customers through the product selection process for projects of any size 
• A stunning 8,000-square-foot showroom displaying an impressive portfolio of products, including Mirage, a high-end paver and hardscape product from Italy, which is exclusive at the Manassas Supply Center location
• A 22,000-square-foot warehouse hosting a large inventory of masonry materials, helping to ensure product is in stock and available to customers
• A trade area where builders, contractors, landscapers and homeowners can purchase necessary tools and supplies, from brick, stone, mortar and hardscapes to masonry accessories
• A modern event space for industry events hosted by Glen-Gery

Brickworks North America currently operates 24 company-owned masonry supply centers, known as Brickworks Supply Centers, in the U.S. To learn more about the Brickworks Supply Centers and the products available, visit www.brickworkssupply.com.

Glen-Gery Launches Folio 2 Featuring the Most Inspiring New Brick Buildings in North America and Australia

High-end publication explores the architectural process while celebrating the beauty of brick in both traditional and innovative designs

Wyomissing, PA. (March 9, 2023) — Glen-Gery Corporation, a part of Brickworks North America, has announced the launch of Folio 2, a high-end publication featuring the most inspiring new brick buildings in North America and Australia. Following the popular first volume of Folio, Folio 2 is a source of inspiration and an invaluable reference tool for architects and designers alike.

“Brick has long been a trusted material, used worldwide by architects who appreciate strength, versatility and sustainability in design. Due to its proven value to both traditional works and contemporary designs, we’ve seen brick increasingly become the building material of choice for many architects and designers,” said Tim Leese, director of marketing at Glen-Gery. “Folio 2 is a thoughtfully curated collection of projects that show how architectural ideas - no matter how big or small - can be made real through the material. The publication not only celebrates the beauty of brick but also explores the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind the architectural process.”

Folio 2 features highly visual photos and drawings detailing innovative designs and interviews with the architects and designers behind the designs. Projects, including single-family homes, university buildings and offices, show the endless design possibilities of brick. Each project uses brick manufactured by Glen-Gery or its sister company, Austral Bricks, in a variety of shapes, colors and textures, from conventional brick to custom-designed brick for unique implementations.

“The publication is a beautiful culmination of brick projects. Despite being in a digital era, we wanted to offer a fulfilling reading experience where architects and designers could physically flip through the pages, take their own notes, and truly connect to the exceptional projects within the publication,” said Leese.

Glen-Gery celebrated the launch of Folio 2 at Brick Design: Incorporating Unique Detailing in Architecture, an exclusive panel discussion featuring moderator Doug Patt and panelists Morris Adjmi of Morris Adjmi Architects; Steve Knight of David M. Schwarz Architects; Mateusz Nowacki of Everyday Studio; and Isaac-Daniel Astrachan of Stephen B. Jacobs Group Architects, on March 9, 2023 at the Brickworks New York Design Studio. The panelists, whose firms were featured in Folio 2, explored how unique designs are achieved through the utilization of brick.

To receive a complimentary copy of Folio 2 or to submit a project for a future edition, visit https://www.glengery.com/folio.