What is a spekband?
A spekband or speklaag is a horizontal band in a brick façade, made in a different material or colour from the surrounding brickwork. Historically it was usually natural stone, lighter in colour than the red or brown brick. Several bands one above the other create a striped effect reminiscent of streaky bacon; hence the Dutch name (spek means bacon). In Britain, red brick with pale stone bands is likewise nicknamed “streaky bacon” style. Spekbanden are characteristic of the Dutch Renaissance of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, but are also used in modern architecture.
Construction
- Historic: natural stone, such as sandstone, built into the brickwork as one or more courses.
- Modern: concrete, cast stone (composite) or brick in a lighter or darker colour.
- Continued sills. Architects sometimes continue window sills into a band of the same colour and texture, creating continuous horizontal lines across the façade.
- As a weathering course. A band that projects slightly and has a drip groove on its underside sheds rainwater from the façade.
- Curved bands. On curved façades, smaller units or brick headers are used so that the band can follow the curve.
Application
- Match the height to the course gauge. Choose the height of the band so that it fits the coursing of the brickwork. This avoids cut bricks and uneven joints.
- Fall and drip. If the band projects, give the top a fall outwards and a drip groove underneath; otherwise dirty water runs down the façade and causes streaks.
- Movement joints. Long bands of concrete or natural stone expand differently from brick. Include movement joints at the positions specified by the structural engineer or supplier.
- Restoration. For historic bands, have the type of natural stone identified and choose a matching stone and mortar. Listed buildings usually need consent; check with your local authority.
Common mistake: finishing a projecting band flat, without a fall or drip groove, so that water sits on the band and is drawn into the joints.
Related terms
- Natural stone
- Cast stone
- Cordon
- Renaissance architecture
- Drip sill
- Blind panel
- Decorative brickwork
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