Bricks are made to last for generations. The average lifespan of a building made from bricks is estimated at more than 100 years. The impact of the building on the environment is also much smaller because it does not need maintenance.

An abundant natural resource, bricks are made from clay sediment called Varve Clay [vahrv kley], consisting of hydrated silicates of aluminum found in lake sediment and river beds. One of the oldest materials for building, architecture made with bricks have been dated back to 7,000 BC at archeological dig sites.