Hello,
Our architect explained to me how the brickwork should rest on the basement masonry (currently constructed with perforated clay bricks).
Another engineer, who regularly builds brick houses (as it is common locally), gave me a different explanation. Both claim that their method is correct.
I would like to find out here whether both methods are possible, or if one of them is absolutely incorrect. In the latter case, please provide a constructive explanation.
In the attached image, I have illustrated the two variants described to me by both professionals.
The sketch on the left shows our architect’s method, the one on the right shows the method of the other engineer. In the right variant, the brick facade is supposed to extend about 30cm (12 inches) below ground level for frost protection. The architect criticizes that the brick might become damp at that point.
I also plan to visit a local manufacturer of, among other things, facing bricks soon to get separate advice.
Thank you very much for your opinions.

Our architect explained to me how the brickwork should rest on the basement masonry (currently constructed with perforated clay bricks).
Another engineer, who regularly builds brick houses (as it is common locally), gave me a different explanation. Both claim that their method is correct.
I would like to find out here whether both methods are possible, or if one of them is absolutely incorrect. In the latter case, please provide a constructive explanation.
In the attached image, I have illustrated the two variants described to me by both professionals.
The sketch on the left shows our architect’s method, the one on the right shows the method of the other engineer. In the right variant, the brick facade is supposed to extend about 30cm (12 inches) below ground level for frost protection. The architect criticizes that the brick might become damp at that point.
I also plan to visit a local manufacturer of, among other things, facing bricks soon to get separate advice.
Thank you very much for your opinions.
Here I found the following document from a brick manufacturer, which, however, illustrates cavity wall construction on a slab foundation without a basement.
I believe this could also be applied similarly to the basement ceiling.
Accordingly, the architect’s approach would be confirmed once again here.
I believe this could also be applied similarly to the basement ceiling.
Accordingly, the architect’s approach would be confirmed once again here.
K
Knallkörper30 Jan 2017 15:48I think both options are wrong. Both versions have a thermal bridge toward the basement. In both cases, the important horizontal waterproofing layer is missing. Additionally, the drainage of the air gap will occur at the level of the external wall insulation, as shown in the sketch. Is that really practical?
K
Knallkörper30 Jan 2017 15:56Kaspatoo schrieb:
The basement is part of the heated building envelope in our case.
The horizontal insulation is placed on or above the basement floor slab.That’s not what I mean. The facing brick is cold and, in the sketch, is in direct contact with the basement masonry, which is not additionally insulated.
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