Sustainability - A Case Study - Reuse of bricks in a small extension

This is one of my favourite ways to reduce the impact of material supply and waste, especially with older or period properties.

We buy these houses because of the character, so (for me) its important to keep as much of that character and existing materials as possible.


Existing back of House

In this project, an extension was added to the back of the house, when the existing back wall was opened up the bricks which were carefully removed and stored for reuse.


During the demolition process, the bricks were carefully removed to be restored and reused.


Bricks were cleaned and stored


Reused to build upstairs dormer

The brick was cleaned and used to build a dormer upstairs, which would become a new bathroom. The brick dormer tied in seamlessly with the existing house.


Interior View

Interior view of brick dormer, this was internally insulated.


Room with a view

View of dormer brick through new rooflight.


Bricks tie in seamlessly with the rest of the house.


Bonus: Rounded Bricks

We also found rounded bricks which were used at the fireplace, where an internal wall was removed.

This process is more labour intensive, but the end result look great and is more sustainable.


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How to apply sustainable principals to architecture and design