Brick outbuildings offer a long-lasting and flexible way to improve your property.
You might want to build extra storage set up a practical workspace, or design a snug getaway. The perfect outbuilding (if that exists!) can boost your home's looks and usefulness.
This post will look at 15 unique ideas for brick outbuildings giving you inspiration and tips on how to get the most out of these structures.
We'll cover everything from traditional garden sheds to fancy home theatres, so there's an idea for everyone.
1. The Classic Garden Shed
A classic garden shed is one of the most popular brick outbuilding ideas, offering a blend of functionality and charm.
Brick garden sheds are not only durable but also add a rustic touch to your garden landscape. When using materials like London bricks or buff bricks, you can create a structure that complements the natural surroundings while providing much-needed storage space for your tools and gardening supplies.
Key Features:
- Storage: Perfect for storing gardening tools, pots, and outdoor equipment.
- Work Area: Incorporate a small workbench for potting plants or tackling DIY projects.
- Rustic Appeal: Consider making a brick look rustic by using weathered bricks or applying a distressed finish to achieve that timeless look.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick garden shed made with London bricks or buff bricks is a practical addition to any garden, offering both storage and a charming rustic aesthetic.
2. Home Office
In today's remote work environment and since COVID, having a dedicated home office is more important than ever.
A brick outbuilding can serve as a stylish and functional home office, providing a quiet and private space separate from the main house. By using facing bricks, you can create an exterior that blends seamlessly with your home's existing architecture.
Key Features:
- Insulation: Ensure the office is well-insulated for year-round comfort.
- Natural Light: Incorporate large windows to allow plenty of natural light, which can enhance productivity.
- Connectivity: Set up the necessary wiring and internet connection to keep your workspace fully functional.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick outbuilding as a home office offers a secluded, productive environment with the added benefit of using facing bricks to match your home's style.
3. Guest House or Granny Flat
A brick guest house or granny flat can provide a comfortable and private space for visitors or extended family members.
These outbuildings can be equipped with all the amenities of a small home, offering a self-contained living area that enhances your property's value.
Key Features:
- Living Space: Include a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette to make the space self-sufficient.
- Privacy: Position the outbuilding in a secluded area of your property to ensure privacy for guests.
- Materials: Using engineering bricks can provide the necessary strength and durability for a long-lasting structure.
🔆 Key Takeaway: Building a brick guest house with engineering bricks offers a robust, self-contained space that provides comfort and privacy for guests or family members.
4. Artist Studio
For those with a creative streak, a brick outbuilding can be transformed into an inspiring artist studio. The durability and natural insulation properties of red bricks make them an excellent choice for a studio that maintains a stable interior environment.
Key Features:
- Lighting: Ensure ample natural light with skylights or large windows, essential for artistic work.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key for a comfortable workspace, especially if you're working with paints or other materials that emit fumes.
- Customization: Tailor the interior layout to your specific artistic needs, such as adding storage for supplies or a designated area for messy projects.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick artist studio made with red bricks provides a stable, well-lit environment perfect for nurturing creativity.
An AI image showing a mock up of an artist studio using Red Bricks.
5. Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
An outdoor kitchen and dining area housed in a brick outbuilding can become the centerpiece of your backyard, ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals al fresco.
The natural durability of buff bricks makes them an excellent choice for outdoor structures exposed to the elements.
Key Features:
- Kitchen Appliances: Include essential outdoor appliances such as a BBQ, pizza oven, and countertop space.
- Dining Space: Create a sheltered dining area with seating that can accommodate your guests comfortably.
- Weather Resistance: Choose materials like buff bricks for their resilience and ability to withstand various weather conditions.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick outbuilding as an outdoor kitchen and dining area, especially when constructed with buff bricks, provides a durable and stylish space for outdoor entertaining.
A warm British outdoor space using Buff bricks.
6. Playhouse or Teen Hangout
A brick playhouse or teen hangout offers a safe and dedicated space for children and teenagers to enjoy. As your children grow, the space can be adapted to meet their changing needs, making it a versatile addition to your property.
Key Features:
- Safety: Ensure the structure is secure and well-ventilated, with safe materials like engineering bricks that are free from harmful chemicals.
- Flexibility: Design the space to be easily adaptable as your children’s interests change, from a playhouse to a teen retreat.
- Interior Comfort: Include features like soft flooring, comfortable seating, and entertainment options.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick outbuilding designed as a playhouse or teen hangout offers a safe, adaptable space for children and teenagers, with engineering bricks providing durability and safety.
Why not consider creating an outdoor play area using traditional bricks supplied by Trade Warehouse?
7. Pool House
A pool house made from brick can provide both practical storage for pool equipment and a luxurious space for relaxing by the water. The choice of red bricks can complement the vibrant, inviting atmosphere of a pool area.
Key Features:
- Changing Rooms: Include private changing areas with easy access to the pool.
- Storage: Provide ample storage for pool accessories, towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Lounge Area: Create a shaded area where guests can relax and enjoy the view of the pool.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick pool house constructed with red bricks offers a stylish and functional space that enhances the poolside experience.
8. Home Gym or Yoga Studio
Transform a brick outbuilding into a personal fitness sanctuary, whether you’re into weightlifting, cardio, or yoga.
Solid engineering bricks can be a great choice here and offer a stable environment, ideal for intense workouts or calming yoga sessions.
Key Features:
- Flooring: Install appropriate flooring, such as rubber mats for a gym or hardwood for a yoga studio.
- Mirrors: Add full-length mirrors to enhance workout sessions and check form.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to keep the space cool and comfortable during workouts.
9. Workshop or Hobby Room
A brick outbuilding makes for an ideal workshop or hobby room, offering a dedicated space for you to indulge in your passions. Whether it’s woodworking, crafting, or tinkering, a well-designed workshop can enhance your productivity and creativity.
Key Features:
- Workbenches: Include sturdy workbenches tailored to your specific hobbies, with enough space for tools and materials.
- Storage Solutions: Install shelves, pegboards, and cabinets to keep your workspace organized.
- Durability: Use facing bricks for a sturdy structure that can withstand heavy use.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick workshop or hobby room made with facing bricks provides a durable and organized environment for pursuing your interests.
10. Wine Cellar or Tasting Room
A brick outbuilding can be transformed into a sophisticated wine cellar or tasting room, offering the perfect environment for storing and enjoying your wine collection. The insulating properties of bricks make them ideal for maintaining the cool, stable conditions required for wine preservation.
Key Features:
- Temperature Control: Implement climate control systems to keep the space at the optimal temperature and humidity levels.
- Storage Racks: Include custom-built wine racks to store your bottles safely and attractively.
- Tasting Area: Create a cosy tasting area with comfortable seating and ambient lighting.
11. Greenhouse
For the avid gardener, a brick-based greenhouse provides the perfect environment to grow plants year-round. The thermal mass of buff bricks helps to regulate temperature, creating a stable environment for your plants. We also offer polycarbonate greenhouses which can be a great choice too.
Key Features:
- Insulation: Use buff bricks for their thermal properties, which help maintain a consistent temperature inside the greenhouse.
- Sunlight: Incorporate large windows and glass roofs to maximize sunlight exposure.
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Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating and maintain healthy plant growth.
12. Music Studio
A brick outbuilding can be converted into a soundproof music studio, providing a dedicated space for practicing, recording, or simply enjoying music. The dense nature of engineering bricks makes them an excellent choice for minimizing sound transmission.
Key Features:
- Soundproofing: Use engineering bricks and additional soundproofing materials to create a quiet, isolated space.
- Acoustics: Tailor the interior with acoustic panels to enhance sound quality within the studio.
- Equipment Storage: Include storage solutions for instruments, cables, and recording equipment.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick music studio constructed with engineering bricks provides an acoustically sound environment perfect for music practice and recording.
13. Library or Reading Nook
A tranquil library or reading nook can be the perfect retreat within a brick outbuilding. The classic appearance of facing bricks can create a warm, inviting atmosphere conducive to relaxation and concentration.
Key Features:
- Bookshelves: Install built-in bookshelves to store your book collection attractively and accessibly.
- Comfortable Seating: Include cozy chairs or a reading nook with cushions for extended reading sessions.
- Lighting: Add soft, warm lighting to create a relaxing ambiance.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick library or reading nook using facing bricks offers a cozy and inviting space perfect for enjoying a good book.
14. Garage or Carport
A brick garage or carport provides secure, durable storage for your vehicles and other outdoor equipment. London bricks are an excellent choice for constructing a garage that matches the traditional look of many homes.
Key Features:
- Vehicle Storage: Ensure ample space for cars, bikes, and other vehicles, with easy access to the driveway.
- Additional Storage: Include shelves and cabinets for tools, gardening equipment, and seasonal items.
- Durability: Use London bricks for a sturdy, weather-resistant structure that complements your home's architecture.
🔆 Key Takeaway: A brick garage or carport built with London bricks provides a secure, durable storage solution that enhances your property’s functionality and curb appeal.
15. Entertainment Room or Home Theatre
Transform a brick outbuilding into an entertainment room or home theatre, creating the ultimate space for family movie nights or watching the big game. The dense construction of engineering bricks can help insulate the space and enhance sound quality.
Key Features:
- Soundproofing: Use engineering bricks to minimize external noise and create an immersive audio experience.
- Seating: Install comfortable, theatre-style seating for a luxurious viewing experience.
- Entertainment Systems: Set up a large screen or projector, surround sound, and a media centre to complete the room.
Final Thoughts
Brick outbuildings open up a lot of options to make your property better, from useful storage areas to fancy places for fun.
You can pick from facing bricks, engineering bricks, buff bricks, or red bricks - each type has its own good points.
If you think about things like normal brick sizes and how much bricks cost, you can make smart choices that fit your money and what you want your building to look like.
These 15 ideas for brick outbuildings can get you thinking about making spaces that work well and also make your property look nicer and worth more.
You might want to build a simple place to keep garden tools or a fancy room to watch movies - a brick outbuilding that's planned well can add something special to any home.