Brick is by far the most popular building material for homes in the UK. It provides the best combination of factors, such as longevity, strength, and resale value. Plus, there are a wide array of options for different colours, textures, and finishes. As one of the leading providers of residential architecture in London, we know how to use it effectively on all kinds of builds.
One of the most interesting things about brick buildings in the UK is the regional variations in colour. For example, red is the most common type in the north. However, in Lincolnshire you tend to see oranges. Then, cream and yellow are most typical in London.
White brick is one of the rarest options here. However, it is incredibly popular in the US and has been one of the hottest design trends this past year. If you want to follow suit and try it yourself, the following info should help you to decide which option to choose.
Using natural white brick
The first thing you can look at is if you can use natural white bricks. They tend to be clay with additives to get the colour. Texture and sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer and production method.
There are lots of benefits to choosing bricks that are naturally white. For starters, they maintain their colour and you won’t need to think about things like painting. Instead, all you need to do is keep them clean.
Because the bricks start white, you also save time on building projects. They arrive ready to install and don’t need any additional finish such as glazing, rendering, or painting.
One thing you need to think about here though is the mortar. It makes up as much as 20% of the walls. As a result, you need to ensure it will work properly with your bricks. The last thing you want is to find it does not go with the white and ruins the look you were aiming for.
Painted white brick
If you can’t find natural white brick that works for you, you have the option of painted bricks. It can be an excellent choice for many situations.
There is one major advantage here; consistency. The thing with all natural bricks is the colour can vary slightly by batch. It happens because of slight differences in raw materials and the manufacturing. However, you don’t have this with painted brick. They should all be uniform. Plus, you can get a purer white.
You do need to think about maintenance and upkeep here though. In time you will need to paint the bricks again. You will need to use the right products. Acrylic is a bad choice because it will trap moisture. In turn it can seriously damage bricks because of freeze/thaw action. Mineral paint that can breathe is better.
Think about bricks for residential architecture in London
Coffey Architects knows how vital it is to choose the right materials. If you go for bricks you need to think about colour and how to get the look you want. You also need to look for a supplier. Think about delivery here and try to shop locally when you can. It will be better for the environment and character of the area.
When it comes to residential architecture in London, you can rely on us to help you get the perfect home. So, contact us today to discuss your needs and get the best insights into building your dream property.