Building the Next Generation: Advances in Masonry Material, Design and Efficiency

Words: Tim Leese

Brick’s versatility has made it an architectural staple for centuries, adapting to the evolving trends, demands and challenges of the building industry. In 2025, modern advancements in brick continue to influence the way architects, designers and builders approach masonry construction. These innovations respond to the needs of the present while playing a key role in shaping the industry’s future, from the sustainability movement to the demand for custom shapes, colors and labor-saving technologies.

The Rise of Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Green Building
Sustainability continues to be a key driver in the selection of building materials, influencing design choices and reshaping the architecture and manufacturing industries. A national survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Glen-Gery found that 78% of architects and 58% of homeowners expressed concern about sustainability in new project designs or renovations, with 60% of architects stating that sustainability plays a major influence in their choice of brand or product. Younger generations are leading this charge, with Gen Z and Millennials expressing the strongest preferences for sustainable design. As these generations age into the housing market, the shift toward eco-consciousness drives advancements in material production, incentivizing the development of greener practices.

As more architects and homeowners prioritize eco-friendly options, brick has emerged as a standout choice. Made from abundant materials like clay and shale, brick is an excellent candidate for sustainable home exteriors due to its resilience, natural composition and energy-efficient properties. Combining durability with timeless aesthetic appeal, brick is a low-maintenance, recyclable option that supports long-term sustainability, aligning with environmental goals and helping meet the demands of the modern consumer.



Beyond Traditional Brick: Unconventional Shapes and Sizes
As manufacturing capabilities evolve, architects, builders and masons are experimenting with unconventional brick shapes and sizes that allow for greater customization in their designs. This shift toward the unconventional, from oversized bricks and intricate patterns to unique, custom shapes, encourages professionals to think outside the box, reimagining what a facade—or even a brick—can be.

This movement is supported by innovations in brick production, seen in the increasing availability of custom and specialty brick shapes. Glen-Gery offers an extensive selection of unique brick shapes through its custom and molded brick lines, designed to meet the needs of any project.

The need for innovation is so pivotal that in 2024, Glen-Gery launched their inaugural Architect Collaboration Program—a collaborative celebration of brick’s versatility, inviting architects, designers and students to submit original designs for custom brick shapes. As a result, the four winning designs are available to order as part of Glen-Gery’s diverse shape portfolio, primed to serve as the centerpiece of conceptual building projects.

These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to advancing beyond traditional brick forms, ensuring that brick continues to support the evolving needs of contemporary architecture.



The Return to Color: Redefining the Custom Facade
After being dominated by neutral tones for several years, exterior design is seeing a vibrant return to color, with architects and builders utilizing the full spectrum to infuse personality and individuality into their projects. The growing demand for more bold, expressive design extends beyond paint to building materials, as professionals and homeowners seek unique ways to create striking, stand-out environments.

Known for its classic reds, brick has expanded to encompass the full spectrum of color, with products like Klaycoat® offering designers the opportunity to create their own custom brick shades and achieve virtually any color imaginable. Klaycoat’s versatility offers both beauty and durability, creating new design possibilities and blending form and function in a way that was previously unattainable. This unprecedented level of customization not only opens new doors for brick as a material but signifies a broader shift in the industry towards more innovative, adaptable building materials, positioning color as an essential component of modern architecture.

Color has become so prevalent in the selection of building materials that Glen-Gery began releasing an annual Brick Color of the Year in 2023—a recognition traditionally presented by paint brands—and recently hosted the immersive event "The Spectrum of Color in Architecture and Design" in celebration of Glen-Gery’s vividly diverse 2025 Brick Styles Catalog. The moderated panel event brought together a range of color and design experts to explore the transformative power of color in the built environment.



Labor-Supporting Technologies: Addressing Critical Challenges
The construction industry continues to face a labor shortage as older contractors retire and fewer young workers enter the trades. To keep job sites running smoothly—especially for time-consuming masonry projects—products that overcome traditional limitations of space, time and budget are essential. Many brick manufacturers are developing practical solutions that incorporate labor-supporting technologies, streamlining the installation process to save time and maximize efficiency.

One such advancement is the Thin-Tech Wall System by Glen-Gery, designed to address both labor shortages and installation inefficiencies. The system offers a lightweight alternative to traditional brick installation, significantly reducing the amount of labor required without sacrificing installation quality or aesthetic value. Cladding systems like the Tru-Brix Thin Brick Façade System offer even more design flexibility, with adaptive installers that make it possible to use real brick for projects where traditional, full-sized brick may not be economical or practical.

These labor-supporting technologies are key to meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry, helping trade professionals overcome modern challenges as they arise.

As we look ahead to the upcoming year, the masonry industry is set to pioneer even more transformative changes, from products that usher in new design trends to initiatives that answer key concerns facing the industry. Through innovative advancements in sustainability, shape, color and installation technologies, brick continues to meet the ever-changing needs of architects, builders and homeowners. These advancements not only expand the possibilities of brick but ensure that it remains a future-forward, versatile choice for contemporary construction, continuing an evolution spanning centuries. From aesthetics to installation, the future of masonry promises to be as dynamic and enduring as the material itself.


About: FeaturedMAP Partner
What gives with head protection? Why workers want to keep their hard hats and ditch safety helmets.
April 2025

Last August, I took my pickup to the dealership for a nagging check engine light. While it was being looked over, I chatted with the salesman I normally deal with, and he told me about the latest and greatest 2025 models. He told me how the twin turbo inl

Greg Brown
Featured
Read More
Government Affairs: Bringing North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and Hopefully Young People to Your Jobsites
April 2025

For you long time members of the Mason Contractors Association of America you likely remember our Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In where MCAA members from around the country would come to Washington, D.C. meeting with Members of Congress from their home sta

Stephen Borg
Featured
Read More
Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Damian Lang
Featured
Read More
Fechino Files: Cell Phones
April 2025

Twenty years ago, I would have never thought cell phones would be such a crazy, over-the-top item that everyone has, but I guess I should have known better. When I was a kid, the Citizen Band Radio was a crazy fad. "Breaker-breaker 19," I bet you could he

Steven Fechino
Featured
Read More