We have learned much about our 1853 German timber frame (Fachwerk) structure that is buried within an 1870's farmhouse. A historical architecture graduate student has concluded that unfired clay bricks were most likely the infil material (from some slight remnants on one original timber). Now we need to learn about exactly how these (home made) bricks were constructed (Size, mold construction and materials, clay mix etc. Can anyone help us with this? Thank you.

Please excuse my late reply. We were in England on the Guild Frame Spotting Tour 2000. What a GREAT trip. We saw a lot of brick infill there.

I am not a masonry specialist, but several are members of PTN (Preservation Trades Network). You could try accessing them through the PTN.org website, or e-mail me (rudad@bright.net) and I will forward your request to Ken Follett (PTN's director) who should be able to help.

Of course the best way to learn about this would be to attend IPTW 2000, Nov 13-15, and meet the masonry conservationists first hand. Details are on the website.

Good luck and enjoy you project!