St. Benet's School for Peace

How the Bricks are Made

A mechanical brick forming device

This device forms the bricks into a uniform size and compresses the mixture prior to firing.

A termite mound

Bricks are made from the soil in termite mounds. The termites just happen to process the earth into a mixture ideal for brick making. These mounds are everywhere and, despite massive building programmes, plenty are still left for the future

Firing the Bricks

The bricks are built into a huge pile with tunnels along their base. This structure is then coated with mud and allowed to dry. Fires are then lit in the base tunnels and kept burning for about three days after which the pile is allowed to cool slowly.

Bricks after firing

After firing, the bricks are available for building. Some turn out better than others. The good ones are used for normal construction. Any defective or broken bricks are used for filling in and hard core for floors and paths.

A partly used stack of bricks

This is a common sight - the bricks being gradually used.

Michael checks the bricks

Michael takes a closer look at the recently made bricks.

Bricks at Chamalale ready for use

These are the actual bricks being used to build the St. Benet's School for Peace.