Curved Brick Facades on Commercial Buildings: How They're Achieved

The challenge of curved brick in commercial architecture

Curved brick facades are among the most architecturally compelling, and historically most difficult, elements in commercial building design. Traditional masonry can approximate curves using tapered mortar joints and specially cut bricks, but the result is labour-intensive and limited in the radius of curvature achievable.

The constraints of mortar-based masonry have historically pushed architects toward flat or gently faceted brick facades, reserving curves for high-budget projects. Mechanically fixed systems change that calculus significantly.

How mechanically fixed rail systems enable curves

Nexbrick™ achieves curved brick facades through flexible rail geometry and custom jig fabrication. The dual-engagement steel rail is formed to the required curve, and brick slips are engaged into the curved rail the same way as flat applications. Because the system is mechanically fixed rather than mortar-dependent, structural behaviour is consistent regardless of surface geometry.

Custom jigs are fabricated at the Modular Masonry Group facility in Seaford, VIC, to match the design geometry. These jigs allow consistent brick spacing and alignment to be maintained around complex curves, delivering the precision finish curved facades require.

What's possible: project examples

The Round Whitehorse Performing Arts Studio in Nunawading (1,600m²) demonstrates the system's curved capability at commercial scale. The project required extensive curved brick cladding across a complex public building form. Custom jigs were fabricated and the entire facade was executed using Nexbrick™ onsite installation, achieving a continuous brick finish across a geometrically complex building at a cost that would have been prohibitive with traditional masonry.

Design considerations for curved brick facades

• Radius of curvature: Tighter radii require more custom jig work. Both tight and gentle curves are achievable, but tighter radii benefit from early supplier engagement during design development.
• Brick selection: Any brick from any Australian supplier can be used with Nexbrick™, including bricks with natural variation in texture. Particularly relevant for curved facades where the character of the brick surface is part of the design intent.
• Soffit integration: Curved facades often extend to soffits. Because Nexbrick™ is mechanically fixed, it continues around soffit returns without a system change.

Bringing curved brick into your next project

The most successful curved brick facades result from early collaboration between the design team and the facade supplier, with geometry, brick selection, and installation method resolved during design development.

Explore Nexbrick™ system capabilities. To discuss your design, contact our team.