Since 1896, our commitment has been simple: to uphold the finest standards of genuine craftsmanship and material authenticity. This unwavering dedication makes our bricks the definitive choice for both sensitive heritage restoration and the creation of ambitious, bespoke newbuilds.
The preference for our bricks is rooted in architectural excellence. Whether the project involves restoring a protected façade or laying the foundation for a signature custom estate, the material must deliver lasting quality and authentic appearance. Our bricks are consistently chosen because they offer a superior quality that manufactured alternatives simply cannot replicate.
The Foundation of Authenticity: Our Unique Materials and Craft
The superior quality and rich colours of our products begin with our raw materials. We are fortunate to be located near Hastings, granting us access to the region’s special 'brick earth'. This unique local clay, found only in the West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent regions, is the very heart of the traditional Sussex brick.
This clay has a naturally high content of silica a key mineral. It is this unique chemical makeup that, when subjected to intense heat, reacts to produce our distinctive palette of colours, ranging from subtle oranges and light reds to deep plum reds, purples, and browns.
We source this clay responsibly from our own quarry near the works, which keeps our environmental impact minimal and helps maintain a low carbon footprint, ensuring our traditional process is also an eco-conscious one.
Every brick is individually hand-thrown into traditional wooden moulds, a skill preserved for over a century. This human touch ensures the slight, natural variations in size, texture, and colour depth the true mark of a quality brick.
Protecting the Past: The Case for Heritage Restoration
When working in conservation areas or on important historic buildings, the goal is not to replace, but to restore authentically. Our products are essential because they seamlessly match the look and feel of original construction:
Natural Appearance: Our hand-thrown process naturally introduces small variations in size and texture. This allows our bricks to blend perfectly with existing weathered walls and historical mortar, avoiding the jarring contrast created by perfectly uniform, machine-made units.
Original Sizing: We manufacture bricks in both metric and imperial sizes. This is crucial for restoration, ensuring new brickwork fits exactly within the original construction dimensions.
Custom Repair Shapes: Historic buildings feature complex details like arches and cornices that require specific shapes. We specialise in manufacturing bespoke hand-thrown specials custom units needed for repairing intricate features. These custom pieces are made using the exact same clay and firing process as the main brick, guaranteeing a perfect colour and texture match.
Our expertise is why our bricks are specified for use on some of the most important and prestigious heritage buildings throughout England.
Defining the Future: Excellence in Bespoke Newbuilds
For architects and clients planning a custom, high-value new home, our handmade bricks provide an immediate sense of maturity and character. A signature home demands unique materials, and our process delivers:
Distinctive Character: The rich texture and natural colour shifts in our bricks create a beautiful, textured facade that avoids the flat look of standard masonry. This gives a new house the feeling of quality and permanence from day one.
Design Flexibility: We offer comprehensive ranges to suit any style. Our core Handmade Range provides classic character, with tones like Waverley Orange and Guestling Red. The Beckley Range, made using a traditional machine from the early 1900s, offers an interesting alternative texture. You can explore these on our Our Bricks: Handmade Range and Our Bricks: Beckley Range pages.
Custom Detailing: Our ability to provide bespoke Specials is just as vital for new construction. It allows for the flawless execution of complex design features from unique window frames to custom wall caps all with guaranteed material consistency.
The Process: A Seven-Day Guarantee of Quality
The durability that ensures our bricks last for restoration is the same quality that guarantees longevity in a new build. This strength comes from our rigorous, seven-day process:
Preparation and Hand Throwing: Clay is processed and carefully prepared. Skilled craftspeople then sand the clay and hand-throw it into wooden moulds.
Drying: The 'green' bricks are dried using waste heat recovered from our kiln, a smart energy-saving process. During this time, the brick shrinks by about 8%.
Kiln Firing: The bricks are meticulously set by hand in our large gas-fired kiln. The firing and cooling process takes an entire week, reaching temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius (1,000°C). This slow, intense heat hardens the clay and silica, creating a product of exceptional strength and superior resistance to weather.
This unique process ensures that every brick carries the unique character and guaranteed quality of a genuine Sussex Handmade Brick.
Connect with the Craftsmen at Sussex Handmade Brick
Choosing the right brick is one of the most important decisions in any bespoke newbuild or conservation project. We believe the best way to appreciate the superior quality and unique character of our materials is to see the craftsmanship firsthand.
We invite architects, developers, and homeowners to visit our works near Hastings. A visit offers you a direct look at our time-honoured process, allowing you to witness the hand-throwing and kiln firing that define our product. It is the perfect opportunity to discuss your project's specific requirements, review our ranges in person, and help you choose the brick that best suits your individual needs.
Whether your project is large or small, standard or requires bespoke specials, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team today.
Phone: 01424 814344
Email: enquiries@sussexhandmadebrick.co.uk
Location: Fourteen Acre Lane, Three Oaks, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NB
We look forward to partnering with you on your next build.
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