STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 81 THE HANDMADE TALE
Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks lays down the reasons for using handmade bricks, from increasing kerb appeal, to home value and saleability.
TEXTURE AND WEATHERING CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO HOW WELL A DEVELOPMENT SITS WITH NEIGHBOURING BUILDINGS
I
n the past few years there’s been a signifi cant increase in demand for handmade bricks. The variety of colours and blends available is much broader than it was a decade ago, and we’re also seeing a jump in specifi cations for regionally appropriate bricks – due in part to planners being more particular, but also housebuilders want something to set their development apart in the current market. Traditionally handmade bricks, with their natural imperfections and texture, have a charm that just can’t be matched by mass-produced, machine-made bricks – even generic simulated ‘handmades’. Every truly handmade brick is unique, adding character and kerb appeal to any property, making it easier to sell and often at a higher value. The facade is the fi rst thing any buyer sees, and is just as important (if not more so) as high-spec kitchens and bathrooms.
MORE OPTIONS FOR MORE DEVELOPMENTS
In the past decade or so, an increasingly wide range of handmade bricks has become available in metric sizes, to fi t with modern lintels and blocks. This opens up many more options for housebuilders. We’re also seeing handmade bricks
being requested as brick slips. Brick slip and facade systems are an economical, effective way of adding an authentic looking fi nish to block or timber construction for fast-track builds. Slips are frequently specifi ed for urban developments, for infi ll projects between two properties, where space is tight, or used internally on feature walls for an industrial ‘penthouse’ look.
BRICK MATCHING
Matching bricks to the local architecture is particularly important to avoid delays in planning, especially for infi ll projects, conversions of disused industrial sites, and of course in conservation areas. It’s not just about the shade, size or pallet mix – the texture and weathering can make a huge difference to how well a development sits with neighbouring buildings. Working directly with a reputable brick supplier can give housebuilders access to a wider range of bricks than those available via a merchant, with bespoke blends and specifi cation advice. Look for a supplier that’s experienced in working with planners and conservation offi cers. They should be able to offer expert advice on what’s right for a particular region, period and style, and offer samples and onsite visits. If there isn’t a perfect match
from stock, bespoke bricks or blends can be created – or ‘tinting’ or ‘weathering’ solutions can be applied.
SIZE, SHADE & STYLE: THE RIGHT BRICK FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT As a general rule, properties built before 19 used imperial sized bricks, which are slightly larger than the modern, mass produced metric brick we see today. In the orth and Midlands inch bricks are common, while the ‘standard’ imperial size commonly found in the South is 2 inch. Longer linear bricks are also available, although these tend to be specifi ed more for mixed-use developments, or very contemporary designs. Colour varies signifi cantly across the UK too. Before the days of easy transport bricks were made from local clay, making for big differences around the country. So you’ll fi nd reds and oranges in much of the north, but also blues and multi-hued bricks (from ‘Clamp’ kilns). Soft reds are common in the south, with buff shades in Cambridge, and yellows in London – although the latter are often blackened and weathered by pollution.
ew handmade bricks can be aged, sooted, darkened or tinted to suit, or even ‘tumbled’ to soften edges and add
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