Vandersanden bricks are playing a central role in helping a new Norfolk housing scheme blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, as The Shrublands development in Beetley enters its second phase.
Originally beginning with five plots, the project will eventually comprise 17 luxury homes positioned on the rural edge of the village. The location made it essential that the new-build properties complemented the local vernacular and woodland landscape, preserving village character while offering high-quality country living. To achieve this, a soft, traditional material palette was selected, including a variety of Vandersanden facing bricks chosen for their subtle tones and timeless aesthetic.
Clayland Homes, the award-winning Norfolk-based developer, undertook both the construction and design, creating spacious homes on generous plots set along a winding road that follows the natural topography. The aim, the company says, was to deliver houses with personality and gardens that residents could truly take pride in. A key priority was avoiding the stark, uniform brickwork common in developments of the 1970s and 80s. Vandersanden’s soft hues provided the ideal alternative, ensuring the homes will age gracefully and maintain their appeal for decades.
Before building could begin, Clayland Homes carried out extensive ecological work on the site. “Ecologists spent a year relocating the slow worms,” explained Henry Isotta-Day, the company’s land and planning consultant. “All gardens have hedgehog houses and runs, and we built a barn-garage with a roof specifically designed for bats, which has been called one of the best bat houses ever built.”
Seven Vandersanden bricks were used across the scheme, including the Camberley Red Multi, the orange and pink blends of Old Henley and Old Windsor, the yellow buffs of Old Ascot, the rich reds and browns of Old Richmond, and the beige and buff tones of Chaucer Antique and Cambridge Light Weathered. The diverse mix allowed each plot to have its own identity while retaining harmony across the wider development.
“We’re passionate about bricks,” said Adam Scott, architectural technologist at Clayland Homes. “We’ve used Vandersanden bricks for about twenty years. We’ve tried others but always return to our favourites. Bricks are versatile, low-maintenance and suit both traditional cottages and contemporary houses.”
Years of experience have helped Clayland refine effective blends, sometimes creating custom combinations using two or three brick types to achieve depth and texture. At The Shrublands, thoughtful detailing such as brick headers, plinth courses and dentil bands adds character, while careful mortar choices ensure the craftsmanship remains the focus.
Local feedback has been strongly positive, and all homes in the first phase have now sold, setting high expectations for the remainder of the development. With the initial five plots completed, work on the final twelve is gathering pace.
“Vandersanden has been very helpful and provided excellent service, especially with samples and visits,” added Scott. “Their bricks have timeless character, suiting both old and modern styles. We appreciate the range and quality, and we know that we can always get what we need.”
The Shrublands stands as a showcase of how thoughtful material choices and sensitive design can root new homes firmly in their rural setting while delivering contemporary comfort and craftsmanship.
