BUILDING ENVELOPE: BRICKS & LINTELS


The best bricks for your build


Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks has tips on choosing bricks for your self-build M


any self-build projects may be on hold while we work through the COVID-19 crisis, with


homebuilders and renovators using the time to research the right products for their projects and compare for value, durability and the all-important kerb appeal.


The choice of brick is one of the most important aspects. So it’s worth taking the time to choose carefully, and research what’s available – and appropriate – first. Size and colour have to be right, particularly if it’s an extension to or a conversion of an existing property. Planning and conservation officers often have strong views on what is acceptable, and usually look for something which will work with existing architecture. There’s a huge selection of bricks on the market to choose from now, and your architect, contractor or merchant will be able to advise on local requirements. Reputable brick suppliers will also be able to support self-builders through this process.


Handmade bricks are particularly popular for self-builds or small, upmarket developments. Adding depth of character, charm and kerb appeal to any project; the face of each handmade brick is unique. An authentic match for the local area can ensure new builds instantly blend in with their surroundings. In conservation areas, some planning officers may request reclaimed bricks, but these are expensive and increasingly difficult to source in the quantities required. Moreover, the quality is unreliable at best and there is usually a high amount of wastage. A new handmade brick can achieve the reclaimed look, without the drawbacks.


COLOUR CHANGES EVERYTHING


The first step is to select the right colour for the geographic area and the style of building. The UK is a relatively small country but the regional variations are huge. In the past people made bricks from their local clay, so within the space of a few miles the predominant colour can


april/may 2020


change from red to yellow, taking in pink, blue or grey along the way. London, for example, has yellow and red – and even within a small area the colour can vary as the bricks have endured different conditions (e.g. smog, weathering) over the years. Repeat this across the country and you have some idea of the range in what was traditionally used. New handmade bricks can be


produced to match any of these variations. Brick manufacturers offer many colours as standard, but if there isn’t a perfect match from stock a bespoke blend can be mixed.


Another variation is the sizing. Before 1965 all bricks were imperially sized, so any repair or extension should be imperial too for a perfect match. And imperial sizes differ depending on the area, with bricks in the north traditionally larger than those in the south. But it’s worth noting that for a complete new build, handmade bricks also come in metric sizes, to work with modern lintels and blocks. A weathered or aged finish can ensure metric handmades sit perfectly alongside existing properties, whether that’s an infill site in an urban setting, or a new development in a rural village. Paul Lockwood, who specialises in


Choosing the right brick may seem daunting, but there’s plenty of support available; take your time, and always ask for sample bricks


building bespoke family homes, comments: “Given the volume of new build construction in our area, we prefer to use materials which set us apart; handmade, reclamation-style bricks in metric sizes can give us the traditional look we want.”


Meanwhile, for modern methods of construction, handmade brick slips can


www.sbhonline.co.uk 39


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