Forterra brand Omnia has launched what is billed as the first UK-manufactured extruded brick slip system where the full system – including rails, fixings, and brick slips – can be sourced from a single supplier.
The manufacturer states that the days of having to engage multiple suppliers to create a mechanical brick slip system are now over, thanks to its new innovation which has been launched to help meet demand for innovative and sustainable ways of building while still achieving a traditional brick aesthetic.
The slips mechanically fix to a steel single rail system to create a light weight, A1 (non-combustible) rated rainscreen façade that is suitable for mixed-use mid- and high- rise developments and retrofit applications.
The Omnia Mechanical system can be integrated into prefabricated panels and modular systems with the flexible rail system able to accommodate different slip sizes and coursing patterns to help architects adhere to local design codes, even if modern methods of construction are being used to construct the building.
Martin Smithurst, Product Development and Technical Support Manager at Forterra, explained: “Long-winded product sourcing and ordering brick slips, associated rails and other components from multiple suppliers are a thing of the past with our new Omnia system.
“A greater emphasis on safety and sustainability means that project teams are seeking faster, safer and more environmentally conscious ways to deliver a building that largely looks the same on the outside but is constructed using alternative methods.”
He continued: “We’ve utilised Forterra’s decades of brick making experience to develop an all-in-one system that can be used to reflect regional brick styles to let new facades sit seamlessly alongside traditional brickwork.
“The genuine brick finish and range of colours available makes it easier to meet planning requirements without being constrained by traditional masonry construction methods that in some projects, like high-rises, are not the most efficient way to build.”
There are two brick slip design ranges available – Origin and Engobed – to help architects design facades that are in keeping with the local area. The Origin clay range showcases the natural colour and texture of clay, while the brick slips within the Engobed range have a coloured coating applied pre-firing. This coating creates a broad and versatile colour palette of the most popular brick finishes in a range of reds, browns, monochromes and yellows, as well as buff, purple and blue options.
The brick slips are manufactured at Forterra’s plant in Accrington which has been making bricks from locally sourced clay for more than 100 years. As a purpose-made, extruded brick slip system, the design of each slip has been precision engineered to reduce material waste and energy consumption. The system is also compatible with Omnia’s Soft Mud Brick Slip range, a selection of cut brick slips from the popular Measham brick range, giving specifiers a broader choice of finishes alongside Omnia’s extruded slips.
In addition, the system has undergone extensive testing. Fire testing was carried out by Warrington, building regulation structural testing by Lucideon, and CWCT Sequence B testing by UL Solutions. The manufacturer states that all of the test data has been independently verified by KIWA, giving architects and specifiers additional reassurance on system compliance and performance.
