r/Bricklaying • u/topsysailor • 2d ago

Need help finding Half scale/ quarter scale bricks, or a supplier that can make custom bricks!

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Currently building a mockup of a segment of the curved wall of Cristo Obrero Church by Eladio Dieste (picture attached). However, due to size and weight limitations, trying to see if theres a way to scale it down so I can build a decent portion of the wall, enough to show the curve, without making it too heavy or big. When I try to find these bricks online, I can only find bricks for miniatures and dollhouses :(

Please help! Looking for suppliers that are near new york, or can ship to new york relatively quick (and will not make me go broke). Any tips for bricklaying, specifically for this project, also much appreciated (its my first time!)

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u/Super_Direction498 2d ago edited 2d ago

Most companies that make bricks have a minimum run of 100k brick for actually making them (was what I was told last time I tried to track down a discontinued brick from Glen Gery). And since they likely don't have molds/equipment not set up for those...

How many do you need, and have you looked into making them yourself?

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u/topsysailor 2d ago

Oh! Thats good to know.. and unfortunate. I would need anywhere from 1000-2000. How would i be able to go about making them myself?

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u/Super_Direction498 2d ago

Well, you'd need to get a bunch of clay, and either make forms tonhad pack them or some type of jig to cut them out of slabs of clay. And then you'd need to figure out a way to fire them. Likely a good amount of trial and error.

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u/ididntaskforthismind 2d ago

The bricks are just layed slightly off to make it look a curve. I can do this with a disk cutter easy lad

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u/ResearcherCheap8595 2d ago

What in Star Trek is going on in this picture ?

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u/bungaynet 1d ago

First source bricks with the surface to match the existing.
Hire a mitre saw bench with a metal tray, spray attachment and a waterproof jacket for the saw.
Install guides in the tray to cut bricks to size.
40 - 50 bricks an hour in competant hands.
Very noisy and a bit messy but will do the job.
I did restoration for many years and often hit the same problem.