Extending your house is a huge task that requires a lot of planning, designing and detail to achieve that perfect addition to your existing home. A huge amount of time, effort and money goes into it, so it’s vital that information around the solutions on offer is readily available for you to digest and support you through the decision-making process. And with the large range of products to choose from, having an understanding of the benefits that specific materials can bring could take your extension to the next level.
Today we’re going to focus on brick and share our thoughts as to why we believe it is without a doubt the ideal material for a house extension, whether you’re looking to create something bespoke and stand-out, or something that seamlessly blends in to the existing aesthetic of your original home.
Here and large header: Mews House designed by Russell Jones architects, photographed by Rory Gardiner.
Aesthetics
There’s no denying that bricks allow you greater control over your building project; they are flexible in shape; they can be used in multiple ways and come in a range of colours meaning you can achieve a look that best suits your vision. You also have the option to add further attractive detailing that will take the build’s overall aesthetic to the next level. Products that allow you this aesthetic freedom and control should be greatly considered due to their versatility and practical properties. Especially considering that selecting brick can provide an extension that works cohesively with style of your current home, as opposed to being an addition that could potentially clash with your home’s original aesthetic appeal.
Thermal benefits
Of course, the intent with an extension is to use the extra room as much as possible to make the time spent planning and building it worth every penny. However, sometimes that just isn’t possible depending on your material of choice; a conservatory that is too hot in the height of summer and too cold to bear in the winter is neither practical nor ideal. However, with brick you’re guaranteed an option that has fantastic thermal regulation properties meaning you’re not controlled by unpredictable weather. Not only do you feel the comforting benefits of good thermal regulation, you can also relax in the knowledge that choosing a material such as brick brings extra sustainable properties by lessening the need for temperature control devices which means, by choosing brick over other materials, you’d save money on your utility bills.
Functionality
Brick’s functional properties are also extremely desirable; as well as being a strong and durable material, clay bricks have an extremely long life span of over 150 years, which ensures you’re getting a material that will stand the test of time. There also products available that will help further enhance the brick’s properties by adding extra protection to its exterior meaning you’re guaranteed a sturdy and reliable material. Aside from this, brick is also a material that needs less maintenance over the years; with little need for regular cleaning and upkeep, you can spend your time enjoying your new extension instead of keeping on top of its exterior maintenance. And what’s more, using bricks allows you freedom and control over your build; you can have a design that best suits your garden size, current property style and accommodates the plans for your extension because of its more versatile qualities.
Ultimately, choosing brick over other materials for your house extension has multiple benefits. Having almost complete aesthetic control over a build is extremely important to architects and self-builders who are keen to deliver a project that will maximise both style and functionality of a build. And with the vast array of products and options to choose from, it’s important that you have access to reliable and vital information to ensure you’re making a decision that will give you optimum benefits for your housing extension.
This article was sponsored by Wienerberger, the UK’s leading provider of wall, roof and landscaping innovations.
As someone who lives in a very diverse climate, I need something with good insulation. The snow in the winter and almost 100 degree heat in the summer are hard to deal with. Brick may be the best material to extend with when it comes time.
I’ve worked as a bricklayer for almost 30 years and there’s no question that bricks are the most versatile material when it comes to building small to medium modern structures, such as house extensions and conversions.
Understandably, it’s easier for us in the UK – we don’t have any earthquakes, like Japan does, for example.
Anyway, it’s easy to work wih bricks and you can create solid structures in no time.