Reclaimed Groningen bricks

Groningen bricks

Groningen bricks are distinctive reclaimed masonry bricks that have shaped the streets and architecture of Groningen and the surrounding region for centuries. They are particularly known for their warm red to red-orange shades and come in different sizes, textures and ages. Today, reclaimed Groningen bricks are reused in restoration, renovation and new-build projects where an authentic appearance is desired.

Groningen bricks for your building project

Reclaimed Groningen bricks are particularly suitable for projects that aim to preserve or recreate the appearance of historic brickwork. They are widely used to restore and repair old farmhouses, homes, churches and other historic buildings, but also work beautifully in characterful new builds.

Their lively red to red-orange facades are especially distinctive. Differences in clay, firing, age and production method can produce varying shades within and between batches. It is precisely this natural variation that prevents a facade of reclaimed Groningen bricks from looking flat or artificial, giving it a warm and authentic appearance.

Different types of Groningen bricks

Groningen bricks are not defined by one fixed size or production method. Our range includes different historic varieties, including smooth moulded Groningen bricks, handmade bricks and Groningen monastery bricks.

Smooth Groningen bricks generally have an even, relatively regular surface. Reclaimed handmade Groningen bricks have a more irregular texture and size, creating a livelier facade. We also regularly encounter bricks with traces of lime and mortar from their previous use. These natural signs of use can give the bricks additional character.

The oldest and largest variety is the Groningen monastery brick. These large medieval bricks were used in churches, monasteries, fortified stone houses and other important buildings. Monastery bricks can be considerably larger than later Groningen masonry bricks, making them a recognisable part of historic brickwork in the northern Netherlands.

The distinctive red colour of Groningen bricks

Groningen facing bricks are known for their characteristic red to red-orange colour. These shades are linked to the composition of the locally sourced clay and the firing process. Together they produced the distinctive Groningen red that has defined buildings in the city and province for centuries.

Not every Groningen brick has exactly the same colour, however. Clay composition, firing conditions and the position of a brick in the kiln could vary. This created natural shades ranging from orange-red and bright red to darker reddish-brown. In reclaimed batches, these nuances are further enhanced by ageing, signs of use and traces of lime or mortar.

This combination of red tones and natural differences makes reclaimed Groningen bricks so recognisable and gives a brick facade its warm and authentic appearance.

The history of Groningen brick

Brick has been closely associated with Groningen since the Middle Ages. During this period, large bricks were used for monasteries, churches, fortified stone houses and city walls. The well-known monastery bricks are among the earliest examples of this Groningen brickmaking tradition.

As towns grew and brick was used more widely, bricks gradually became smaller and easier to handle over the following centuries. Groningen’s brickmaking industry eventually became one of the province’s largest local industries. At its height, dozens of brickworks were operating.

This long history is still visible in the Groningen landscape. Old farmhouses, churches, homes and other historic buildings show how many different Groningen bricks have been produced and used over the centuries.

Buying reclaimed Groningen bricks

At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find different batches of reclaimed Groningen bricks, from smooth red and red-orange masonry bricks to old handmade bricks and distinctive Groningen monastery bricks.

The bricks come from old buildings and are carefully cleaned of mortar, sorted and prepared for reuse. As every historic batch is different, colour, size, texture and any traces of lime or mortar can vary. These characteristics are precisely what give a reclaimed batch its character.

Groningen bricks are excellent for restoration and repair work, as well as new-build projects where an authentic historic facade is desired. We are happy to help you find a suitable batch for your project.