York Handmade Brick Company is proud to have supplied handmade facing bricks to the refurbishment of Old Court at Clare College, Cambridge. The £12.5 million project revitalised one of Cambridge’s most important Grade I listed buildings, ensuring it remains fit for modern academic use while safeguarding its historic character.
Dating in part to the sixteenth century, Old Court sits at the heart of the college. Any intervention within such a significant heritage asset required a conservation-led approach, with brick selection playing a central role in maintaining architectural continuity.
Handmade Brick for Heritage Restoration
The project involved forming new openings within centuries-old masonry and adapting the building to meet contemporary requirements. Working within a Grade I listed structure demanded rigorous attention to materials, detailing and workmanship.
York Handmade Brick Company’s Hunsingore and Lindum Blend bricks were carefully selected to complement the tone, texture and proportions of the original fabric. The aim was to ensure that new brickwork sat comfortably alongside historic masonry while remaining honest to its time.
For architects and conservation professionals, successful listed building refurbishment depends on achieving visual coherence without compromising authenticity. Handmade bricks provide the subtle variation, depth and character often required in sensitive restoration projects, particularly within historic university environments such as Cambridge.
Balancing Authenticity and Performance
Heritage brickwork must perform as well as it looks. Alongside visual compatibility, handmade clay bricks must meet modern durability standards and support long-term stewardship of the building fabric.
The Clare College project demonstrates how traditional materials can be specified to meet contemporary expectations for quality and resilience. Carefully matched handmade bricks help maintain breathability, structural integrity and architectural consistency within complex refurbishment schemes.
York Handmade Brick Company works closely with architects, contractors and conservation teams across the UK, providing brick matching expertise and bespoke blends for heritage-led developments.
Read the Full Case Study
This project has been featured by the Brick Development Association, recognising the role of high-quality brickwork in the transformation of Old Court at Clare College, Cambridge.
To read the full case study and learn more about the wider project team and design approach, visit the Brick Development Association website.
