Darney Heritage Stone Bricks Used in Sustainable Rear Extension to Victorian Terrace

A thoughtfully detailed rear extension to a Victorian terrace at Wick Road, Bristol has recently been completed, showcasing how natural stone can play a central role in contemporary, low-carbon residential design. Designed by Richard O’Hanlon Studio and built by Bristol Sustainable Builders, the project brings together stone, timber and lime to create a calm, robust addition that sits comfortably alongside the original house.

Darney Heritage Stone Bricks supplied by Hutton Stone were used throughout the extension, with the deliberate mix of finishes adding depth and subtle variation to the elevations. The combination of split faces and clean sawn surfaces gives the brickwork a layered character, balancing texture with precision while remaining compatible with traditional construction methods. Load-bearing sawn Darney stone lintels form the door and window openings, clearly demonstrating the structural capability of stone alongside its architectural presence.

The use of natural stone brickwork offered a considered alternative to conventional clay bricks, supporting the project’s wider sustainability aims. Stone’s longevity, low processing requirements and ability to age gracefully make it particularly well suited to extensions where long-term performance matters as much as appearance. Built using lime and paired with a timber structure, the materials work together to allow the building to breathe and adapt over time.

It’s encouraging to see sustainability and craftsmanship working hand in hand, with architects and contractors embracing materials that offer both environmental and architectural value.

Photography by Brendan Higgins