Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks lays down the reasons for using handmade bricks, from increasing kerb appeal, to home value and saleability. 

In the past few years there’s been a significant 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 specifications 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 first 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 fit 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 finish to block or timber construction for fast-track builds. Slips are frequently specified for urban developments, for infill 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 infill 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 specification advice. Look for a supplier that’s experienced in working with planners and conservation officers. 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 1965 used imperial sized bricks, which are slightly larger than the modern, mass produced metric brick we see today. In the North and Midlands 3 inch bricks are common, while the ‘standard’ imperial size commonly found in the South is 2¾ inch. Longer linear bricks are also available, although these tend to be specified more for mixed-use developments, or very contemporary designs.

Colour varies significantly 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 find 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.

New handmade bricks can be aged, sooted, darkened or tinted to suit, or even ‘tumbled’ to soften edges and add more texture for a truly authentic look.

Case studies

Weathered and tumbled bricks can be used in a wide range of projects. For example, red and orange handmade bricks with an aged weathered finish were used in a luxury timber-frame development of four and five bed homes in Cheshire by Cobnut Homes on the grounds of a former 1921 boarding school, with panoramic views of Delamere Forest. An aged, weathered finish was specified to give a high-end feel and accentuate features like the timber porches and windows painted in French Grey, Blue Grey, or Cromaty (Green-Grey). 

Meanwhile in London, ‘The Grand’, a former cinema in Bermondsey, has been converted into extravagant two bed apartments by MH Corp. The design gained planning support with handmade ‘Original London Stock’ brick slips and bricks selected as the most appropriate choice for the facade. Featuring the yellow tones London bricks are traditionally known for, coal-spotting and weathering adds to the authenticity, matching the existing buildings on either side.

A similar brick was also used in Moray Mews, an award-winning development of eight contemporary courtyard houses located near Finsbury Park. The weathered metric bricks were chosen by the developer for their ability to add an instantly established appearance to the properties, while juxtaposing with the sharp lines of the build and modern projecting glass windows.

Quality & quantity of supply

Reliability of supply in the quantities required is crucial for easier project management and planning – especially for handmade bricks and more unusual options. Brick specialists are increasingly being asked to help source alternative products for projects where supply is an issue. So it’s best to look for a supplier that holds a large amount in stock.

Any bricks specified should be high quality and from ethical, responsible suppliers, who can reliably provide them in the quantities required. All new bricks should be UKCA/CE marked, and tested to meet UK and EU standards for freeze-thaw, water absorption, compressive strength, and soluble salt content. Look for Sedex-auditing – the benchmark for ethical trading, used by Dyson and M&S – and ISO 14001 (for Environmental Management) and ISO 9001 (for Quality Management) factory accreditations. 

Jason Hughes is managing director of Imperial Bricks