Censer by Edward John Milton with Ketley Brick (photo: Mark Cocksedge).
Ketley Brick is launching its latest designs and innovations at the Surface Design Show (stand 135). By combining its 200-year heritage in clay craftsmanship with the latest advances in 3D imaging, etching, and mould and die technology, the company has unlocked the potential of one of the world’s oldest building materials.
This capability, showcased under its new Vision Brick brand, features new designs that are both contemporary and unique. All Ketley clay products are manufactured to Class A engineering brick standards for exceptional durability, and their natural clay colours are produced without additives solely through traditional kiln firing.
Censer – Craftsmanship meets contemporary design
Censer by Edward John Milton with Ketley Brick (photo: Mark Cocksedge).
The Ketley technical team worked closely with designer Edward John Milton from EJM Studio to create Censer, a modern take on the thurible, an ancient sacred vessel used for diffusing aromatic smoke. This work of art was specially crafted with precision-engineered moulds that capture the intricate design elements of each facet. Traditional kiln-firing techniques ensure an organic depth of clay colours that artificial surface treatments cannot match.
Brixel 4K – new system for bespoke facades
The Birmingham Bull at EH Smith Design Centre, Digbeth.
Architects can create bolder surface designs with Ketley’s new 4K Brixel system, which has been refined to deliver more detailed, precise, and bespoke facades with four times the resolution of the original Brixel prototype. This upgrade creates the illusion of depth and texture, with the interplay of light and shadow across the surface subtly changing as viewed from different angles.
Next-generation 4K Brixel system using a set of six Brixel Bricks.
The new set of 65mm brick types (five textured and one plain) can create an almost infinite variety of complex patterns, commemorative designs, and detailed images within brickwork without the need for sculptors or artists on-site. The Brixel imaging tool will produce detailed 3D models, allowing architects and designers to preview their designs from multiple angles before production.
New laser-etched surface designs
Detailed laser-etched images.
Ketley’s advanced laser technology enables virtually any image to be etched onto the surface of their kiln-fired clay bricks, brick slips, and quarry tiles in intricate detail and in warm, natural clay colours.
Detailed laser-etched surface patterns and designs.
Laser-etched designs can range from classic Victorian, Art Nouveau, or intricate company logos that reinforce corporate identity. Due to the strength and durability of Ketley’s Class A standard clay products, this precise detailing will remain a permanent feature, resistant to erosion. Bespoke designs can be created and manufactured cost-effectively in large or small quantities.
New wet clay etched designs
Wet-etched design for a softer look.
Ketley has developed a wet-etching process that produces surface designs with a softer, rustic look. Ideal for traditional or heritage projects, this process produces much deeper engraved patterns that reveal the natural character of clay with its granular texture.
Bespoke pressed and extruded designs
Ketley has refined its manufacturing capabilities to produce a whole host of bespoke pressed and extruded special-shaped bricks that can be combined to form elaborate facades and distinctive surface reliefs.
These include curved profiles that can be laid to produce an eye-catching wavy effect, as well as bespoke embossed patterns and pressed shapes whose imaginative textured surfaces add interest and individuality to facades.
Special-shaped bricks for elaborate facades.
The new Silvertown Tunnel Portal buildings, designed by dRMM Architects, are a fine example of a curved sculptural façade with immense architectural impact. It was the Supreme Winner of the 2025 BDA Brick Awards and is shortlisted in the 2026 Surface Design Awards for Public Realm.
Silvertown Tunnel Greenwich Portal building. Articulated double bullnose brick detail creating a chain-link effect (photo: Alex de Rijke, dRMM Architects).
Our consultancy service
With our consultancy service, we can bring your designs to life through our wide-ranging bespoke capabilities under our Vision Brick brand.
For a consultation, contact our design team on 01384 78361. Email: sales@ketley-brick.co.uk, visit the Ketley Brick website: www.ketley-brick.co.uk, or visit us on stand 135 at the Surface Design Show.
