A masonry recess (Dutch “inkassing”) is a vertical pocket or “housing” that the bricklayer leaves in a wall, or makes afterwards, so that another wall to be built later can bond firmly to it. The recess forms the receiving space for the connecting masonry.
Why a recess?
When two walls are not built at the same time, the second wall must later be well tied to the first. A recess provides a firm bond:
- The new wall engages into the pocket and so forms a single whole with the existing wall
- It prevents a continuous, weak perpend joint over the full height
- Forces can be transferred between the two wall sections
Application
- Phased masonry — connecting a later-built (internal) wall to a wall already standing
- Extensions and conversions — bonding a new wall into an existing facade or partition wall
- Foundation repair — temporary openings (also called recesses) for passing concrete beams, piles or jacks through
- Hydraulic engineering — recesses in quay and dyke structures
Points to note
- A recess temporarily weakens the wall; for larger openings a lintel or temporary support may be needed
- For a good connection a wall tie or tension band is often used as well
- Take the masonry bond into account, so the connection follows neat courses
Related terms
- Masonry
- Perpend joint
- Wall tie
- Bond
- Foundation repair
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.