EUROBRICK SYSTEMS LTD
UNIT 5, NEWBRIDGE TRADING ESTATE
NEWBRIDGE CLOSE
BRISTOL
AVON BS4 4AX
Tel: 0117 971 7117
Fax:
Suppliers of: Insulated Brick Cladding Systems claddings external brick claddings Internal Brick Slips Stone Cladding System Brick Cladding System EWI Systems Solid Wall Insulation
Eurobrick are suppliers of brick and stone slip cladding systems and was the first to introduce a fully integrated insulated brick slip system to the UK in 1990. Since then, Eurobrick has developed further systems to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry and is the UK’s leading specialist for brick and stone slip cladding and one of the largest stockists of brick slips. Eurobrick is an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accredited company.
Eurobrick’s brick slip cladding systems provide the real look, feel and durability of traditional masonry with the benefit of being extremely versatile and quick to install. The systems have a broad range of applications, including new build, rainscreen, modular and refurbishment of commercial and domestic buildings. It is robust and can be installed both on and off site, internally and externally to most construction types.
PRODUCTS
Eurobrick’s original brick slip faced system is lightweight and suitable for a range of applications including new build as an external wall finish or retrofitting as external wall insulation (EWI). The extruded, closed cell polystyrene backer panel is available in different thicknesses; 17, 25, 50, 75 and 100mm. X-Clad is suitable for installation on residential buildings up to 11m and up to 18m on commercial buildings. Used as an EWI, X-Clad will significantly increase the energy efficiency of a building and improve internal comfort conditions for occupiers. Project specific U-Value calculations are available upon request.
X-Clad achieves the following Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire:
- 17mm thick X-Clad Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire EN 13501-1: 2018; Class B- s1, d0
- 50mm thick X-Clad Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire EN 13501-1: 2018; Class C- s2, d2
- 100mm thick X-Clad Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire EN 13501-1: 2018; Class E
Developed for interior applications, for fixing to battens or timber/ light gauge steel stud walling systems. I-Clad has a slim profile, plasterboard backer panel and is suitable for both commercial and domestic interiors.
- I-Clad has Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire EN13501-1:2018; Class B-s1, d0.
Designed for use as a rainscreen system for structures requiring a cavity behind the cladding. P-Clad can be fixed to battens or metal rail systems. It achieves Euro Classification of Reaction to Fire EN13501-1:2018; Class B-s1, d0, and may be installed on residential buildings up to 11m in height and on commercial buildings up to 18m.
A budget system suitable for new build and refurbishment projects, internal and external. V-Clad is a 20mm thick expanded polystyrene panel with a ribbed profile for easy installation of the brick slips.
HOW THE SYSTEMS WORK
Eurobrick’s systems are quick and easy to install. Each system has a backer panel, which is supplied (pre-laminated) with a vacuum formed styrene skin bonded to it (with the exception of V-Clad, see above). The skin has moulded horizontal tracks between which the brick or stone slips are glued. To complete the installation, Eurobrick’s Europoint pointing mortar is piped into the joints and tooled to achieve a traditional masonry finish.
The cladding systems are supplied as component parts comprising; system backer panel, panel fasteners, adhesive, facing brick slips and Europoint pointing mortar. Eurobrick also supply other components including corner bricks, base trim and tools for installation.
For information regarding installation, please refer to the system specific installation instructions, view the installation videos or call Eurobrick’s technical department.
BRICK AND STONE PRODUCT RANGES
Eurobrick offer a wide selection of brick slip colours and finishes, along with a range of stone slips. The Britannia and Classic ranges of brick slips are manufactured in standard UK metric sizes, with corner brick available.
Britannia Range: Kiln fired, extruded brick slips typically 15mm thick
Classic Range: Kiln fired stock bricks specially cut to fit the system, typically 20-25mm thick
Stone: A range of reconstructed stone slips are available in various finishes for use on whole projects or to provide architectural detail. Corner slips are available. Please note that stone is manufactured to order and requires a minimum lead time of 16 weeks.
Other reconstituted or natural stone products can be sourced if required- lead times for these are variable.
For Eurobrick’s online gallery showing the brick and stone slips available within the ranges below, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk
BRICK MATCHING SERVICE
Eurobrick also offers a brick matching and cutting service for customers who require a specific brick type for a project.
POINTING MORTAR
Eurobrick’s Europoint mortar is ready to mix dry powder product requiring only water. Europoint has been specially formulated so it can be piped into the brick joints using a pointing bag or gun. The mortar is available in eight standard colours. For large projects, special colours can be produced to client requirements.
REASONS TO USE EUROBRICK’S CLADDING SYSTEMS
- Specialists in sector with over 30 years’ experience
- Trusted brand; extensively tried and tested
- Excellent customer service
- Simple products for quick and straightforward installation
- Installation is off critical path of building schedule
- Lightweight systems, ideal in situations where weight restrictions prevent use of traditional construction
- Robust and extremely low maintenance, with a life expectancy of at least 25 years
- Suitable for both on and off-site installation
ACCREDITATION
Eurobrick Systems Ltd is an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accredited company.
SHOWROOM
To view Eurobrick’s brick and stone ranges and systems, they have a showroom located at their premises in Bristol. Open Monday to Friday, 9am- 4.30pm.
For more information, please visit Eurobrick’s website, email info@eurobrick.co.uk or call 0117 971 7117.
Eurobrick Systems - A guide to brick slip cladding for self builders
Despite many different cladding finishes being available, there is an abiding love for real brick. Brick adds character to a building, with a tactile finish that is both attractive and very durable.
In modern construction, a brick wall is little more than a rain screen for a house, simply protecting the structural inner skin from the weather. Brick slip cladding performs the same function as a traditional masonry wall but also has other benefits which can be very useful. Eurobrick is the UK’s leading brick slip cladding specialist, so if you are considering a brick slip finish for your self-build project we are here to help.
Brick slip cladding is not a new phenomenon, we were the first to introduce it to the UK in 1990. You probably see buildings finished with brick slips all the time without even realising it, and that is the point, brick slips are largely indistinguishable from traditional masonry. However, brick slip cladding systems are light weight in comparison and can incorporate layers of insulation while remaining relatively thin in profile.
There are a number of different cladding systems available on the market, but they are not all the same. Each system varies in terms of component parts and assembly method. At Eurobrick, our advice to anyone considering brick cladding is to think about your objectives and which benefits of brick slip cladding best serves these. Which system you choose depends upon the specific requirements of your project; does it need to be lightweight, are you or your contractors installing the system, how much insulation do you need, if any? Speak to the suppliers’ technical staff, as they should be happy to answer all your queries. You should also ensure that your chosen system is properly developed and tested and that it has the required fire performance for your application.
As a self-builder, you can choose from a variety of structural construction methods, including steel and timber frame, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) to name a few. These different structural elements can be finished with brick slip systems. Cladding systems are non-structural and do not require the foundations associated with traditional masonry being largely suspended directly from the structural fabric. The benefit of being low weight can simplify the design and cost of foundations under modern structures. Some systems can be assembled by semi-skilled labour with some even suitable for DIY installation. This reduction in the dependency on traditional trades to deliver traditional finishes can also lead to cost savings in a project.
If you are planning to extend your existing home, the technical constraints or desired aesthetics of some projects may require that a cladding system is used. For example, if you are adding an additional floor to an existing structure, a light weight system may be essential. Or maybe it is an extension that requires the original and new part to be over-clad to provide a contiguous finish.
For renovation projects, insulated brick cladding is an ideal product. Some brick cladding systems provide external wall insulation, which, as it is installed on the outside of the building, means that precious internal floor space is not reduced and disruption to the occupiers can be kept to a minimum.
In addition to the improvement in thermal performance, cladding can also solve common problems experienced in older properties, namely condensation, damp penetration and dilapidation of the exterior. Well designed and installed systems will weatherproof the original fabric of the building, keeping wind driven rain out, reducing condensation risk and rejuvenating the exterior with a new skin of brick.
With the enormous range of brick slips available, choosing the right brick can be a long process. Once again, clearly identifying the project objectives and constraints may quickly focus the search. It could be cost or the need for a particular brick type to match a local vernacular. Sustainability may be the primary objective and you want extruded brick slips (extruded brick slips use 60-70% less energy to manufacture than standard bricks). Perhaps you are looking for a brick slip with a characterful, aged appearance. Regardless of criteria, there most certainly will be a brick slip to match your requirements.
As one would expect, the cost of using a brick slip system will vary not only from system to system but will also depend upon the choice of brick, the amount and type of insulation required, the size of project, and who will install the system. Because every project is different, in order to obtain a meaningful estimate, we recommend that you speak directly to the cladding suppliers to discuss the particulars of your build. If you are able to provide an area or even plans of the project, the cladding company will be able to calculate an estimate which is specific to your build and choices. Ask for advice on any extras that may be required, as basic “headline” prices based on a square metre rate can be deceptive. This will give you a more accurate figure to work with your budgets.
Hopefully this has given you a brief insight into how brick slip cladding can provide an effective alternative to traditional construction. Not only can cladding help solve a range of technical challenges but, just like traditional brickwork, the end result is low maintenance, very durable and looks great.
We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your project. Please give us a call on 0117 971 7117 or email info@eurobrick.co.uk
Eurobrick – Renovation or new build: how embodied carbon is driving the debate
Embodied carbon is a hot topic in the built environment industry, and it is also becoming a key factor in planning decisions. Here, we explore how embodied carbon is driving the debate around renovation versus new build and the benefits of reusing and adapting existing buildings.
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions linked to constructing and demolishing a building, whereas the carbon emitted by using a building is known as operational carbon. Together, they make up a building’s whole life carbon emissions.
Until recently, the focus has been on reducing buildings’ operational carbon footprint. For example, by improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy for things like lighting, heating and cooling. Now, the focus is turning to how embodied carbon can be tackled too.
How is it changing the industry?
Currently, national planning legislation requires developers to consider how their developments will address climate change more generally, rather than mentioning embodied carbon specifically. However, high profile cases, such as Michael Gove’s decision to intervene in M&S’s planning application to rebuild its store on London’s Oxford Street, suggest that this may change in the future.
The government’s National Planning Policy Framework calls on local planners to encourage reusing and adapting existing buildings over constructing new ones, and some local authorities already require whole life carbon assessments (including embodied carbon assessments) for some developments.
Alongside regulation, the built environment industry is also taking action on sustainability, with initiatives such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and RIBA’s Reinvention Award, which recognises the creative reuse of existing buildings.
The benefits of reusing existing buildings
For developers, choosing refurbishment comes with a number of benefits. Reusing the existing structure of a building can cut embodied carbon emissions by half, while reducing the amount (and cost) of new materials needed, especially materials with a large carbon footprint, like cement and steel.
There are over a hundred thousand empty buildings that could potentially be repurposed, rather than developers having to find land to build on. According to research published by Habitat for Humanity and the Empty Homes Network in 2021, there are around 165,000 privately-owned empty commercial buildings across England, Scotland and Wales, and 7,000 owned by Local Authorities. Recent data from Searchland, a development site sourcing company, suggests around 28,000 of these sites in England alone are ready to be adapted into residential homes.
Repurposing buildings is also inspiring architectural creativity, as RIBA’s Reinvention Award shows. The short-listed projects include a school converted from a Grade II-listed radio transmitter building, and a new university building adapted from a former brewery.
Why brick slips are great for refurbishment projects
Eurobrick offer a range of brick slip systems that are ideal for renovation and conversion projects and have been helping to breathe new life back into buildings for over 30 years. That is because they are lighter than conventional bricks, making it easier to renovate, repurpose and extend existing buildings. Eurobrick also offer a wide range of brick slip colours and finishes. From textured, multi-tonal options designed to emulate the warmth and character of naturally aged and weathered masonry, to crisp, smooth, contemporary choices that look great on their own or combined with other materials.
Eurobrick’s X-Clad system was used to refurbish the façade of this former commercial building on London’s Borough High Street, to create a mixed-use development featuring a ground floor retail unit and residential apartments above. Finished with EBS Sanded Red stock slips and corners from Eurobrick’s Classic range and Zena White slips and corners, the new brick slip façade enabled the building to be sensitively refurbished from an aesthetic point of view, while the 50mm X-Clad system also helps to improve its thermal performance. The project shows the versatility of Eurobrick’s systems, as the brick slips were built out on different planes to add depth to the façade and incorporated areas of soldier courses to provide extra architectural detail.
X-Clad was also used on this conversion project at the Cotton Exchange to turn an empty warehouse into 24 contemporary dwellings. Three different brick slips were used to create the distinctive multi-coloured finish including Ibstock Chelsea Old Funton, Ibstock Leicester weathered and Ibstock Bevern Dark Multi slips.
The exterior and interior of this project was redeveloped using X-Clad at Minerva House in London’s famous Hatton Garden area, which included refurbishing the existing commercial building and adding a new rear extension. Outside, the façade was finished with glazed white stretcher and header slips and corners to match the style of the existing building, while inside, the project used Islington Yellow Rustica stretcher and header slips from Eurobrick’s Classic range of brick slips.
Much more than just a brick façade
As well as helping to reuse and adapt existing buildings, Eurobrick’s range of brick slip systems come with a number of other sustainability benefits. X-Clad – an External Wall Insulation (EWI) system, can be retrofitted directly to existing masonry walls to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational carbon emissions. It is available in a range of thicknesses up to 100mm, to help meet the specific U-Value (insulating) targets of your project. X-Clad’s polyfoam panels are also free from materials linked to ozone depletion, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFs).
When it comes to the bricks themselves, the extruded brick slips in Eurobrick’s Britannia range are the most sustainable option. They use up to 70% less energy during manufacture, compared to traditional bricks, as well as less water and raw materials.
Whichever brick slip system and finish is right for your project, you can save materials and reduce waste by using Eurobrick’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) downloads, available on their website, to visualise your project and generate accurate installation details, including the system quantities required.
What next?
To make buildings more easily adaptable in the future, the industry is looking towards solutions such as modular design. For instance, how a room could simply be converted from an office to a residential space, or a steel frame could be adjusted, enabling the whole building to be repurposed. Our brick slip systems are already designed for modular construction and can be installed both on and offsite.
Alongside modular design, design for disassembly could also reduce the need for demolition and help create a circular economy for the built environment. Instead of being demolished, a building would be disassembled and the component parts reused.
With the built environment directly responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint, it is clear that tackling the whole life carbon emissions of buildings will continue to be a priority. It could also be a huge opportunity to reimagine architecture and construction, by finding new and innovative ways to reuse and adapt the buildings we already have.
Planning a refurbishment project?
Find out how Eurobrick can help you meet the specific goals of your project. Call 0117 971 7117 to talk to their experienced team or email info@eurobrick.co.uk.
