A Family-Built Extension Full of Character with Blend 12 Brick Slips
A Family Project with a Difference
When Harry and his family decided to extend their home, they wanted to create more space for everyone to spend time together.
The timber-framed extension was built by Harry's 78 year old grandad, affectionately known as Pops, and his brother, making this a real family project from the start.
As a professional brick slip installer himself, Harry knows a thing or two about quality brick slips. So when it came to choosing materials for his own home, we were delighted he chose The Brick Tile Company. It's always a great compliment when someone who works with brick slips every day chooses ours for their own project.
The aim was to create a bright, open plan living space, but without everything being plain white. By keeping the supporting pillar and incorporating brick slips around the skylights, the family were able to add character while keeping the space feeling open and modern.
Bringing the Outside in with Blend 12
Our Blend 12 brick slips were used both inside and outside the extension, helping to create a consistent look throughout.
Externally, the slips give the timber-framed structure the appearance of traditional brickwork. The mix of warm reds, weathered tones and darker bricks, paired with cream mortar, creates a natural finish that works well alongside the existing house.
Inside, the supporting pillar has become one of the main features of the room.
Rather than covering it up, the family decided to make the most of it by adding brick slips. The pillar helps separate the dining and living areas without closing off the space.
Against the white walls, light herringbone flooring and teal furniture, the brickwork adds a bit of warmth and contrast.
Something a little different around the skylights
One of our favourite details (but not the favourite one) is the brick slip edging around the skylights.
Rather than leaving the openings completely white, the family decided to carry the brickwork up to the ceiling, using vertically laid slips to frame the skylights.
It's an unusual detail that works really well, especially with the natural light highlighting the different colours and textures of Blend 12.
It also ties in nicely with the central pillar, bringing the different areas of the room together.
Why Blend 12 and Cream Mortar?
Blend 12 was chosen for its mix of red and weathered tones, while cream mortar helped soften the overall look.
As Harry explained, the cream mortar was chosen to make the brickwork feel "less industrial".
The combination works particularly well in this project, giving the extension a traditional brick finish without taking away from its modern design.
A little help from the youngest member of the team
The family involvement didn't stop with Pops and his brother.
Four-year-old Emmy has always wanted to join her Dad at work, and this project gave her the chance to get involved.
As Harry told us:
"My daughter has always wanted to come to work with me, so I'm happy she could leave her stamp on our house."
Emmy got to help with the brick slips, making this a project she'll be able to look back on when she's older, she placed this slip herself. Harry takes great pride in his work, but that is surpassed by the pride in his daughter, so despite the angle he felt he had to leave this slip here, and tiled around it.
And let's not forget Arlo, the family dog, who was also keen to get involved! He was photographed proudly carrying a brick slip around the site, clearly taking his role as site supervisor very seriously.
The Finished Result
The extension has given the family a spacious new living and dining area, with plenty of natural light and room for everyone to enjoy.
From the external walls to the supporting pillar and skylight detailing, Blend 12 has been used in several different ways to give the whole project a consistent finish.
We particularly love how the brickwork has been incorporated into the skylights, showing that brick slips don't have to be limited to feature walls.
See more of the Harry's work on Instagram: @slipbrickstiling
