Mystique is a 65-millimetre handmade textured facing brick by Traditional Brick & Stone, characterised by a blend of warm buff, mellow yellow, and subtle cream tones. Suitable for both contemporary and traditional architecture, the stock brick can be used for external facades as well as internal applications and is also available in brick-slip format. Mystique has a compressive strength of 17.5 N/mm², water absorption of 10 percent, and an F2 frost-resistance rating, making it suitable for exposed external applications. It is manufactured to BS EN 771-1 and has an S2 soluble-salt classification.

From a sustainability perspective, the brick’s high durability and resistance to freeze-thaw conditions can support a long service life, limiting the need for premature replacement and associated material consumption. Traditional Brick & Stone also highlights the longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements of brickwork as lifecycle benefits, while the company operates an environmental management system certified to ISO 14001:2015.

Virginia Water

McLean Quinlan has completed Virginia Water, a low-lying, single-storey home in Surrey, England, set within a wildflower meadow and framed by protected woodland. The client, relocating from London, asked McLean Quinlan to create an efficient, high-performance home that could also accommodate family and friends. A keen hiker and birdwatcher, the client wanted close access to nature and a strong...

Read more