Heron House

Location: Chichester, West Sussex

Brick Manufacturer: Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

Brick Name: Hampshire stock - Dark MultiBrick 65mm

Architect: Open Design Studio

Brickwork Contractor: West Sussex Brickwork Ltd

Heron House demonstrates how traditional clay brick can be reinterpreted through contemporary construction techniques to create a highly sustainable, energy-efficient, enduring family dwelling. Rather than treating brick as a cladding material, the project places clay masonry at the heart of its environmental strategy, using its thermal, environmental and aesthetic properties to drive the architectural concept and the building's operational performance.

From the outset, the design and construction methodology were developed simultaneously. Beginning with clay brick as the fundamental building component, the project combines traditional masonry with innovative Modern Methods of Construction, including a high-performance timber frame structure, structurally insulated roof panels (SIPs), a fabric-first building envelope incorporating Kingspan Ultima insulation and enhanced mineral wool cavity insulation. This integrated approach delivers thermal performance and airtightness levels that exceed current Building Regulation targets for new dwellings, reducing operational energy demand while enhancing occupant comfort.

The environmental strategy is supported by a range of low-carbon technologies including an air source heat pump, roof-mounted solar photovoltaic array, 6,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank, low-energy fixtures and fittings throughout. Together, these systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower operational carbon emissions and minimise water consumption.

The sustainability strategy extends beyond technology. The building is orientated along an east-west axis with a double-height clay brick spine wall extending the full length of the house. At ground floor, this wall separates primary south-facing living spaces from circulation and ancillary accommodation to the north. A detailed brick loggia to the southern and eastern elevations moderates solar gain, preventing overheating in summer while allowing low-angle winter sunlight to penetrate deep into the plan. Western glazing has been minimised to reduce excessive afternoon solar gain.

Environmental performance is further enhanced through the strategic use of thermal mass. A concrete ground floor slab and substantial central clay brick spine wall absorb solar energy during the day, releasing it gradually as temperatures fall, helping regulate internal conditions naturally and reducing heating demand. At first floor, glazing ratios are reduced and large operable rooflights are positioned on the northern roof slope to mitigate overheating.

The rooflights form part of a whole-house passive ventilation strategy. An oversized central hallway rises through the dwelling via an open staircase to a double-height raked ceiling, creating a thermal stack effect. Warm air is exhausted through the operable rooflights, drawing cooler air through a large opening window adjacent to the entrance. Here, a distinctive hit-and-miss clay brick screen sits just beyond the thermal envelope, allowing secure background ventilation while maintaining privacy and security. This innovative application demonstrates how a traditional material can actively contribute to the environmental performance of a contemporary dwelling.

The selection of Michelmersh Hampshire Dark Multi brick was integral to the project's sustainability objectives. Clay brick is manufactured from abundant natural materials, offering exceptional durability, longevity and low maintenance requirements. With a service life measured in centuries rather than decades, brick reduces whole-life environmental impacts associated with repair, replacement and refurbishment. Brick is also reusable and recyclable at the end of its service life, supporting circular economy principles and reducing construction waste.

Responsible sourcing and embodied carbon were also considered. The Hampshire Dark Multi brick is produced at the Freshfield Lane brickworks in Sussex, relatively close to the project, reducing transportation distances and associated carbon emissions within the supply chain. This local provenance, combined with the material's durability and thermal performance, made it an environmentally responsible choice.

The innovative use of clay brick at Heron House goes beyond appearance. Brick is employed simultaneously as environmental moderator, thermal store, solar shading device and ventilation component. The project demonstrates how a traditional material can contribute to contemporary low-carbon architecture through intelligent design rather than reliance on technology alone.

The success of these strategies is reflected in homeowner experience:

"The house has really fulfilled its brief to blend design and materials, creating a highly insulated but comfortable house in all weather conditions. Using the thermal mass of the brick in combination with the shading of the loggia and natural ventilation from the skylights the house is cool in summer, and benefits from low sun in winter to light the house particularly on the southern elevation."

Martin Warner

Heron House represents a holistic and innovative application of clay brick within a contemporary fabric-first dwelling. Through the combination of passive environmental design, Modern Methods of Construction, renewable energy generation, responsible material sourcing and high-performance building fabric, the project delivers a sustainable, adaptable and highly comfortable home that exceeds contemporary energy performance expectations while celebrating the enduring qualities of brick architecture.