Specifying for Deconstruction and Reuse

As the UK construction industry responds to net zero and resource-efficiency targets, increasing attention is being given to circular construction principles. While clay brick has long been valued for its durability, with many buildings remaining in service for more than 150 years,  greater focus is now being placed on how these materials can remain in use at the end of a building’s original life.

For specifiers, this introduces practical considerations around deconstruction, testing and performance verification. Designing for reuse requires more than aesthetic intent; it demands a technical understanding of durability, compatibility and long-term performance.

Here is how the industry can specify for a future where buildings act as material stores rather than demolition waste.

The Value of the "Old" vs. the "New"

The allure of reclaimed bricks often lies in their weathered aesthetic and the narrative of a matured character. However, specifying reclaimed masonry is not simply an aesthetic decision; it is also a technical one. 

Unlike new bricks, which are produced in the UK in accorance with BS EN 771-1 and supplied with declared performance characteristics, reclaimed bricks may have limited or incomplete documentation relating to strength, durability or soluble salt classification. As a result, careful assessment is essential before reuse in new applications.

1. Designing for Deconstruction (DfD)

A circular approach to masonry begins at the design stage. Materials cannot be effectively reused if they cannot be safely and efficiently recovered.

• Mortar Selection: The choice of mortar plays a significant role in future recoverability. Traditional lime mortars are generally softer and more workable than high-strength OPC-based mortars (Ordinary Portland Cement), allowing bricks to be separated and cleaned with reduced risk of damage during deconstruction.
• Reversible Connections: Where appropriate, systems that allow for modular disassembly can support future reuse of components rather than simple material recovery. Designing with adaptability in mind may help extend the useful life of masonry systems over multiple building cycles.

2. Navigating the Performance Gap

When specifying reclaimed brick, the transition from one application to another can introduce technical uncertainty. To minimise risk, several performance factors should be considered.

• Frost Resistance: One of the primary concerns is the mixing of internal and external bricks during demolition. Bricks originally intended for protected internal applications may lack the frost resistance required for a new external façade.
• Soluble Salts: Reclaimed bricks may contain sulphates or other soluble salts absorbed from groundwater, previous mortar or historic site conditions. In the absence of verified classification data, specifiers may choose to adopt a precautionary approach when selecting compatible mortars and detailing masonry interfaces.
• Structural Integrity: While modern bricks have declared compressive strengths, reclaimed units may vary depending on age, origin and previous exposure conditions. For standard domestic low-rise construction, strength is rarely the limiting factor, but for larger developments, representative testing is non-negotiable.

3. The Testing Protocol

Successful reuse depends on evidence-based specification. Before reclaimed bricks are incorporated into a new project, representative samples from the consignment should be assessed where appropriate.

• Durability Assessment: Testing or assessment of freeze-thaw performance may be necessary to determine suitability for exposed external conditions within the UK climate.
• Water Absorption Tests: To help understand the brick’s "suction" rate and ensure a proper bond with new mortar.

4. Avoiding the Greenwashing Trap

Reusing masonry materials does not automatically guarantee a lower environmental impact. The environmental benefits of reclamation should be considered in the context of transport, processing requirements, service life and project suitability.

• Local Sourcing: Where possible, source reclaimed materials from as close to the site as possible to minimise transport-related emissions..
• The Hybrid Approach: If the performance of reclaimed bricks cannot be guaranteed for a specific exposure (such as a parapet or chimney), consider using newly manufactured bricks that replicate a "distressed" look. These offer the same aesthetic with the assurance of tested, declared performance and long service life.

A New Professional Standard

Specifying for deconstruction and reuse requires a broader approach to professional responsibility. It involves collaboration across the supply chain, from demolition contractors and reclamation specialists to designers, engineers and manufacturers. It also requires recognition that long-term sustainability is not defined solely by material reuse, but by the continued performance, adaptability and responsible management of resources throughout a building’s lifecycle.

By viewing buildings as temporary stores of valuable materials rather than disposable assets, the construction industry can support more resource-efficient forms of development while preserving the enduring qualities of clay brick masonry.

Read more about clay brick reuse and end of lifecycle in our guides linked below:

Reuse of Clay Brickwork Guide

Clay Brick End of Lifecycle Guide