The concept of a 'Niche' began in architecture, evolving from the middle french word nicher to describe a recess or cavity constructed in a wall for a statue, bust, urns and vases. In the first century B.C, there was no mention of niches, but rather a Zotheca or small room. These rooms closely resemble alcoves similar to a niche, yet slightly larger. Greeks and Romans especially used niches for important family tombs.

The top of a niche resembles a scallop shell, also the alternative term of 'conch' for a semi dome, usually reserved for larger exedra. In the modern era, the niche is now being used more and more in classical architecture designs for new build projects as a feature, rather than to place a statue or similar pieces in it.

From design to manufacture, producing a Niche is one of the most challenging, yet satisfactory, products we produce at Lambs.

For this project, we worked with the architects drawings and began setting the niche out using the key opening dimensions, along with the new brick course heights.

From this our CAD office are able to begin the process of setting out the bond keeping within our red rubber block size restrictions.

Once the drawing was completed and approved by the architect, our CAD department began templating the numerous bricks required for manufacture, all with their own unique references.

The niche was carefully cut and the rubbed to form the curve on each unit. Each course is laid out dry to ensure that everything is correct.

Georgian Brickwork then began setting the niche out and laying each course to a 3mm joint. With any gauged brickwork, there is always an element of on site rubbing required by the craftsman, ensuring everyhting fits perfectly.

At the springing point of the arch section, a Lambs supplied former is then used to assist with the hood of the niche. This part of the laying process is very technical, and the full result can only be seen once the former is removed

Once the lime putty is completely dry, the niche is then rubbed to ensure a precise and crisp finish throughout