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
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.