Architectural cladding specialist Pura Facades has been appointed as the sole UK distributor of VetaBric, the latest entrant to the fast-growing brick slip panel market. The lightweight panel alternative to traditional bricks can accurately reproduce the aesthetic of the majority of brick brands. It is also available in a new, ultra-thin, pre- mortared joint, which gives a distinctive, sleek and modern look to the facade.
Weighing just 12.5kg per m2, VetaBric panels offer a lightweight alternative to brickwork and can be erected safely by trained construction site workers. While architects love the creative possibilities that VetaBric can bring to projects, contractors appreciate the speed at which the panels are hung – up to a third quicker than traditional bricklaying according to Pura’s commercial director James Butler.
Commenting on the UK launch of VetaBric, he said: “Given the dearth of skilled labour and long lead times of bricks in the UK, solutions such as VetaBric are becoming much more popular with developers, architects and contractors. And despite being only 25mm thick, we’re finding the product to be dense and rigid – therefore very robust once installed on site.
“A project we were recently involved with – a residential development in Thornton Heath, South London – shows how effective brick slip can be. The project was finished on time and within budget, thanks in some measure to the adoption of VetaBric.”
Manufactured off-site, VetaBric supports the UK’s move towards modular construction methods. It can be fixed onto a wide range of substrates including masonry, lightweight steel or timber frames – all using the extensive range of fixings provided by Pura.
Manufactured in Lille, northern France, VetaBric provides a joint free solution to facades, as any visible fixings are hidden by mortar applied once the panel is installed.
To find out more about VetaBric, go to www.purafacades.co.uk.
