Eye-catching brick extensions

For those considering building an extension, one of the key decisions to make is the choice of materials for the final exterior finish. While the material you select will come down to a number of different

- SARAH HARLEY

For those considering building an extension one of the key decisions to make is the choice of materials for the final exterior finish. While the material you select will come down to a number of different variables, ranging from cost through to aesthetic preferences, brick may well be top of your list.

While brick naturally works well in traditional settings, it can also be used to create a modern addition to many different types of homes.

‘There are lots of advantages to using brick for your extension,’ says Simon Graham, co-founder and director at Yard Architects. Brick is generally very easy to get hold of and is available in an infinite variety of shapes and colours. It offers great design freedom and you can be very creative with different laying patterns, details and bonds. It’s a very low-maintenance material, too, and when chosen well, doesn’t tend to date as a design choice.’

‘We always hope that our brick choice will complement the building,’ says Pereen d’Avoine, founder of Russian For Fish. ‘That doesn’t necessarily mean totally matching, however. Sometimes, a departure in tone or texture can really allow the extension to have its own identity and encourage the history of the building to be read. Brick colours vary massively from quite bright orangey reds to soft sandy hues, so if you do choose an option that emulates the look of the original façade, make sure you get lots of samples and view them against the original brickwork at various times of the day and in differing weather conditions. It is also worth taking into account the weathering and ageing process as this will often mute the colours over time.’

MIX BRICK AND RENDER FOR AN INDUSTRIAL FEEL