Mathematical tile
The mathematical tile was an external cladding or tile hanging solution that was popular in the 17-1800's in the South of England. The tiles were shaped in such a way that they interlocked and from the outside face resembled a brick facade and were a popular cladding solution for timber frame buildings.
It has been suggested that the tiles were designed as an alternative to bricks as a result of the brick tax introduced by King George III in 1784, however although known as the Brick tax, it actually also covered tiles and so these were subject to the same tax, though unclear if less. It is more likely that the tiles represented a useful solution to dealing with the facade of timber frame buildings in seasde locations, because they were cheaper, simpler and quicker to construct than brick and in many respects as, if not more resistant to weathering.
In areas around the South Coast of England, such as Brighton and Lewes a specific black glazed version of the tile was popular, many examples of which can still be seen today. (image credit Stuart Walsh under CC license)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battens.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Domestic roofs.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof defects.
- Metal profile cladding.
- Metal roofing.
- Nails - a brief history.
- Photocatalytic tiles.
- Pitched roof.
- Roof coverings.
- Roof insulation.
- Roof slates.
- Roofing defects.
- Shingle roofing.
- Thatch roofing.
- Tiles.
- Tile roofing.
- Types of nails.
- Types of roof.
- Weatherboarding.
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.