Bricks have been the most popular building material in the UK for centuries. They became essential in London after the Great Fire in 1666, with regulations mandating builders use them for fire safety. The Industrial Revolution made them cheaper and more accessible, securing their prominence. In 2026 they remain the go to option for houses and low rise buildings. However, specifying them for projects today is a little different. Let’s have a closer look, then you can rely on us if you want to design high end residential architecture in London.

The key detail

It’s harder to specify materials for projects today than ever before. There are more elements to think about, including sustainability. As a result, you need to take the time to consider exactly what you will use.

While there are more details to look at, the aesthetics are still the most important detail for bricks in 2026. The colour is the number one consideration. Other than that, things like texture and size are significant.

It isn’t just a simple case of specifying a brick colour you like here though. You need to think about the big picture. Crucially, always consider the context; how will the bricks work with the surroundings and how do they establish the identity of the building? Do they meet planning expectations such as preserving the character of the area? If you’re thinking about residential architecture in London, speak to us.

If you do plan on specifying bricks, you absolutely should order samples and see how they look in real world conditions. Consider the lighting and how it plays with them. In addition, keep in mind that there can be subtle differences in the colour and texture between batches. Make sure you plan for them or you could have issues with the aesthetics.

Sustainability

As we said, sustainability is a very important factor today. It can have an impact on what type of bricks you should specify for projects.

There are three vital factors to look at. Firstly is the durability. Choose durable bricks that offer a long lifespan and require very little maintenance. Second, always ask about the embodied carbon and focus on low-carbon materials. Finally, consider the end of life, including reusability and recyclability. Always check the data and sustainability metrics.

Do you need help with residential architecture in London?

If you’re looking to design your dream high end home, it’s a really good idea to have a look at different types of bricks. They can have a massive impact on the aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and more. In fact, the wrong choice can even lead to issues with planning permission, especially if they don’t sit well in the context of the area.

Coffey Residential is a fantastic company to work with here. We can explore different materials in detail, including various types of brick. Most significantly, we can carefully consider light, colour, texture, and any other vital details. We’ll find the perfect materials for each project.

So, contact us and let’s create amazing residential architecture in London.