of the Chaucer Antique and the Cambridge Light Weathered.
“ We’ re passionate about bricks,” says Adam Scott, Clayland Homes’ architectural technologist.“ We’ ve used Vandersanden bricks for about twenty years. We’ ve tried others but always return to our favourites. We ' re often enthusiastic about brick choices during planning, so each plot ends up being unique. Bricks are versatile, low-maintenance and can be used for both traditional cottages and contemporary houses."
Experience has helped the team at Clayland Homes understand which blends work best, and sometimes custom mixes are created. A rustic finish may be chosen, typically using two or three types of bricks on a development with a base colour interspersed with others as appropriate. This creates facades which have a real depth of character and individuality.
The detailing at The Shrublands has focused on elements like brick headers, plinth details and dentil courses to add character. In the past, the team has experimented with unique chimneys, at one point designing 29 different chimneys for 29 houses. Now one or two are included as features. Mortar mixes are equally important, and these were
carefully fine-tuned to avoid a poor mortar ruining a good brick. Although the mortar is generally toned to the brick to create a harmonious appearance, sometimes the design team has opted for a whiter finish with red bricks.
The Shrublands scheme has received positive feedback locally, and sales have gone well with all plots now sold, after customers saw the quality materials and exceptional design. The first phase helped set expectations for the rest of the development and, with the five plots at the front of the development completed, the rear section, comprising twelve additional plots, is moving forward.
“ Vandersanden has been very helpful and provided excellent service, especially with samples and visits,” comments Adam Scott.“ Their bricks have timeless character, suiting both old and modern styles. We appreciate the range and quality, and we know that we can always get what we need.”
For more information about this project and on Vandersanden’ s high-quality bricks visit their website. For more information on Clayland visit www. clayland. co. uk
CASE STUDY
13