Origin: Exposed-brick building is long-standing; it returned as a façade trend in Vietnam in the 2010s and 2020s.
The exposed-brick façade leaves fired brick unrendered and unpainted, giving a rustic, warm and deep surface from the brick colour and mortar joints. It can be real brick masonry or brick-slip cladding on a concrete wall. Bricks can be laid solid, perforated for breeze, or built as breeze-block screens for light.
In the damp north, bare brick can grow moss and absorb water unless treated. Choose high-quality low-absorption brick, apply a clear waterproof coating on the front, and protect the base and eaves from splashing rain. Perforated brick screens can act as sun shades and cast beautiful shadows. In humid coastal areas, sea salt can cause spalling, so choose fully fired bricks, never under-fired ones.
