Unfired clay masonry: An introduction to low-impact building materials
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Unfired clay masonry: An introduction to low-impact building materials, was written by A Sutton, D Black and P Walker and published by BRE on 18 October 2011.
It is one of a series of five information papers and case studies about low-impact building materials, which also cover; hemp lime, straw bale, cross-laminated timber and natural fibre insulation.
In comparison with some alternative construction products, unfired clay masonry is relatively low-impact, and it has one of the longest histories of use of any building material. It is relatively robust, fire-resistant, has high thermal mass and has the capacity to moderate internal humidity levels. However, unless stabilised, it is not resistant to prolonged water exposure and so it normally requires protection from rain.
This 6-page information paper provides an overview of the pros and cons of non-loadbearing unfired clay brick and block. It is intended for those considering the use of this material on construction projects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Adobe.
- Arup and Better Shelter at the Working Together For Disaster Relief conference.
- Blockwork.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Brick.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Clay.
- Cob building.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Defects in brickwork
- Defects in stonework.
- Earth building.
- Earthen construction.
- Green building.
- Hempcrete.
- Masonry.
- Parapet.
- Practical Building Conservation: Earth, Brick and Terracotta.
- Straw bale construction.
- Terracotta.
Featured articles and news
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.