Barbican NW Podium. Amphitheatre seating. Photo: Ketley Brick.
Ketley’s clay products are specified for award-winning urban design and landscaping projects for their natural colours and exceptional durability.
They are made in Dudley, West Midlands from Etruria marl. This is a local iron-rich clay that, when kiln-fired, produces natural reds, browns, or dark blues through kiln control, without artificial stains or colouring. As the colour is fired permanently into the clay, it will not fade under UV exposure.
Firing vitrifies the dense clay to a near-impervious state with water absorption of under 4.5%. With their enormous compressive strength, they meet Class A engineering brick standards and F2 frost resistance and can withstand the harshest outdoor conditions.
The Barbican NW Podium – replacing heritage quarry tiles
Barbican NW Podium – Special Commendation 2015 Brick Awards; winner 2018 Landscape Institute Award; 2026 Finalist Legacy category of Brick Awards. Photo: Ketley Brick.
Ketley’s traditional quarry tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as heritage restorations. They were originally custom-made for the restoration of the Grade II-listed Barbican Estate’s North West Podium and have proved popular ever since.
As the original damaged Hawkins Brown Brindle tiles had been discontinued, Ketley was chosen to manufacture 280,000 smooth-faced replacements in sympathetic Brown Brindle, Dark Multi and Light Multi shades.
At 18 mm thick, the 215 x 102 mm tiles withstand heavy pedestrian traffic better than thinner modern alternatives and provide greater resilience against severe frost-thaw cycles.
Barbican NW Podium. Walkways. Photo: Ketley Brick.
Pedestrian safety on the elevated walkways was paramount, as the original waffle tiles trapped rainwater, ice and moss, creating slip hazards. Instead of a raised pattern, Ketley’s R11-rated tiles have a hardwearing micro-roughness that grips shoe soles whilst shedding water, discouraging algae and moss.
Olympic Way – durable pavers for high-traffic areas
Olympic Way – shortlisted for the 2024 RIBA London Award and 2021 New London Award. Photo: Ketley Brick.
Popular for large-scale plazas and commercial projects, Ketley’s Staffordshire Blue chamfered pavers provided a durable, attractive solution for the modernisation of Olympic Way, the legendary procession route linking Wembley Park Station to Wembley Stadium.
The 200 x 100 x 65 mm pavers have sufficient load-bearing strength to withstand heavy delivery vehicles and the intense foot traffic on 90,000-capacity match days. Approximately 280,000 pavers, laid in a distinctive herringbone pattern, guide crowds towards the stadium, while the natural texture provides grip underfoot.
Westbury Rotunda – transformed by modern Tenger pavers
Westbury Rotunda including close-up. Photo: Ketley Brick.
Ketley’s popular Dutch-inspired Tenger pavers are suitable for courtyards, market squares and residential gardens, where their slim 200 x 50 mm format allows for creative detailing.
At Westbury Rotunda in Wiltshire, they helped transform a previously enclosed area, blighted by anti-social behaviour, into a contemporary and welcoming focal point for the town. Laid in a herringbone pattern, the variable Brown Brindle tones add depth and warmth.
Linium bricks – Creating character in landscape designs
The Old Rectory. Winner 2026 Pro Landscaper Project Awards and finalist in APL Awards 2027. Photo: Willow Tree Landscapes and Design.
Ultra-thin Linium bricks are immensely popular in landscape architecture and are often used as decorative features along the edges of outdoor paving or alongside natural stone.
The Old Rectory. Photo: Willow Tree Landscapes and Design.
The Old Rectory Reclaimed Country Garden by Willow Tree Landscapes and Design bridges traditional rural heritage and modern, functional garden design. Ketley’s 265mm x 11mm x 82.5mm Linium bricks were laid on edge to add character and texture to the garden’s entrances. Their Staffordshire Red and Brown multi-colours soften the hard landscaping, creating a warm, handcrafted aesthetic.
Products for every application
Landscaping design collection. Photo Ketley Brick.
Ketley has innovated a wide range of outdoor products and frequently collaborates with landscape architects to create new and interesting bespoke designs.
Contact us for a consultation on 01384 78361. Email: sales@ketley-brick.co.uk, or visit the Ketley Brick website: www.ketley-brick.co.uk
