The Brick Development Association discusses the timeless beauty and kerb appeal of clay brick construction.
Never out of fashion, clay brick is still very much in vogue as a tried, trusted, durable building material which is now available in a variety of colours and textures. Clay brick’s timeless beauty continues to find favour with housebuilders and developers drawn by its ability to create modern buildings of stature that offer impressive kerb appeal.
When it comes to buildings retaining their value and requiring minimal maintenance, it’s easy to see why clay brick continues to be the tried and tested building material of choice for housebuilders and one that has dominated the UK’s architectural landscape for hundreds of years. Walk down any street and there will be buildings made of clay brick. From the stately elegance of Georgian-era homes to the charm of Victorian terraces, affordable post-war estates to stylish new-build housing developments, clay brick is a timeless favourite when it comes to building homes.
Built to last
Testimony to its enduring appeal, clay brick’s outstanding durability ensures that it can last for centuries, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. With a minimum active lifespan of 150 years, clay brick’s appearance remains consistent throughout its active life. It will not break down and in most environments is completely impervious to anything.
Brickwork weathers well which results in buildings becoming more attractive with age. This means that a brick home retains value for multiple periods of ownership. Unlike render, timber or other building materials which can require regular maintenance and replacement, clay brick’s resilience minimises its environmental impact. Non-flammable and non-combustible, clay brick façades often survive fires structurally intact, enabling renovation and reuse.
Versatility
Clay brick combines beauty and durability with remarkable versatility, making it the ideal material for developers and builders looking to bring diverse projects to life. Whether gracing historic estates or sleek urban lofts, traditional cottages and farmhouses, or countless contemporary homes and buildings, clay brick complements and enhances any architectural vision.
With its wide selection of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, clay brick allows for immense creativity and flexibility in design. Some brick products have colours applied to the faces of the brick or paver to create a unique effect or finish.
When it comes to brick façades, the way the bricks are arranged, known as the bond pattern, plays a major role in the overall aesthetic. From the clean lines of a stretcher bond to the intricate pattern of Flemish bond, each arrangement offers a distinct visual character. Clay brick can be easily adapted for extensions, renovations or changes in use. It also pairs beautifully with many other building materials and systems, and can be deconstructed and rebuilt to create exceptional brickwork features and detailing.
The colour of the mortar plays a vital role in the overall aesthetics of a building. Lighter mortar creates a stark contrast, highlighting the individual bricks, while darker mortar unifies the facade, creating a more cohesive look. Clay brick is evolving beyond traditional boundaries with more options including thin bricks, brick slips, modular and offsite solutions. Ongoing innovations in the industry ensure that clay brick continues to offer new possibilities for creative design and durable construction.
Energy efficiency
Clay brick does even more than add aesthetic value, it can provide ongoing benefits through energy efficiency. Noted for its excellent thermal mass, clay brick’s ability to absorb, store and release heat energy can help to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. This contributes to lower operational carbon emissions, as the building requires less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. While a clay brick building will stand the test of time, its energy performance also makes it an investment that pays dividends through energy savings.
Clay brick’s unmatched versatility, durability and sustainability guarantees this indispensable building material will continue to shape the built environment. Highly regarded by architects, housebuilders and homeowners, it looks set to provide long-term value and timeless appeal for future generations.
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