A number of villa and apartment buildings are already deriving the benefits of using thermally-efficient fired clay bricks from Corobrik, says the South African clay brick and paving manufacturer.

“The excellent aesthetics, low maintenance costs and the lower energy costs provided by these bricks are increasingly being appreciated by discerning property developers keen to provide a more sustainable built environment in the Middle East,”  says Peter Kidger of Corobrik.
Corobrik’s most recent project in face brick is a 12-villa complex located directly opposite the Burj Al Arab hotel in a prime residential area.
Constructed in Topaz Travertine face bricks, it has Bergendal Blend Satin face brick used as accents at the parapets and around the windows.
“Presently, we have 108 villa developments built, under construction or in design and have recently supplied face bricks for a new seven-storey residential apartment block in Dubai,” he says.
“We have been specified for a further six-storey residential apartment block and our first mosque project.  These are indeed exciting times for Corobrik.”
Outlining the key advantages of the bricks, Kidger says: “Possibly the most valuable selling point for our clay face bricks has been the low maintenance costs associated with a fired clay material over the lifespan of the building.
‘‘First costs becomes the last costs, thus providing excellent and consistent returns for investors over the long term.”
Corobrik’s Arabian Gulf range of face bricks have been specifically selected from the company’s extensive range of products to complement and meet the performance criteria of the region’s environment, providing interesting variety where individuality can be achieved in a stylish way, he adds.
Among satisfied Corobrik customers is Arcan Project Management Services (APMS), which has used the bricks on a number of projects.
“Traditionally, residential construction in Dubai has tended towards plaster and paint finishes,” says Amid Jondi, managing director of APMS.
“Corobrik clay face bricks offer something distinctive and different aesthetically, harmonising with the general environment in a most pleasing way.”
With the high temperatures of the UAE, the thermal efficiencies of fired clay face bricks come into their own, providing excellent insulation to external walls, significantly lowering the consumption of electricity required to run air-conditioners, Kidger  points out.
In addition, the high mass of fired clay brick ensures superior noise absorption, further enhancing the quality of life in residential cluster developments, Kidger adds.
Says Jondi: “We have and continue to enjoy an excellent working relationship with Corobrik since moving to clay face brick finishes for many of our projects.  We have achieved exceptional results with their products.”
Through Mac Al Gurg in Dubai, Corobrik has maintained an intimacy with our needs on each project, ensuring appropriate technical support in the application and use of their products.
‘‘Most of our building work is fast-tracked once the planning work has been completed and Corobrik has been exemplary in meeting delivery commitments,” Jondi adds.