Originally constructed between 1875 and 1880, The Clockhouse served as the stables and coach house for the historic Summersbury Hall. The striking Victorian structure, complete with a fully functioning original clock, underwent a full renovation, including a significant rear extension. A key requirement from the planning authority was the retention of the building’s existing façade and character.
The Challenge
Over the years, the external brickwork had been heavily painted, and due to previous treatments, the paint could not be removed without damaging the original brick underneath. Additionally, the solid wall construction offered little in terms of insulation, making it unsuitable for modern living standards.
The homeowners were looking for a solution that would:
- Preserve the historic appearance of the front elevation
- Allow for modern thermal performance
- Create a seamless visual match between the renovated façade and the new rear extension
The Solution
To meet both the aesthetic and practical demands of the project, our team supplied brick slips, cut from full-size bricks that matched those used on the extension, to apply to the original façade. This allowed the contractors to install external insulation without compromising the exterior look whilst ensuring a perfect match between old and new sections of the building. This additionally satisfied planning requirements.
The homeowners initially considered Blend 20, but after further consultation with local planning officers, Blend 23 was chosen as the ideal match. Blend 23 has a rich red base colour with some subtle tone variation. There is an array of dark and white aspects throughout, invoking a very classic red-brick style with a creased texture.
The Result
Despite a few minor manufacturing delays, materials were delivered to the site and installed smoothly by an experienced team of bricklayers, achieving a cohesive, period-appropriate finish.
This project is a great example of how brick slips can bridge the gap between heritage charm and modern performance, all without compromise.
Thinking About a Similar Project? At The Brick Tile Company, we specialise in authentic, high-quality brick slips for renovations, restorations, and new builds. Whether you're working on a listed property or creating a characterful extension, we’ll help you find the perfect match.
