Seven projects that raise the bar on sustainability

Discover seven UK projects that showcase sustainable construction with wienerberger materials, from Passivhaus housing to low-carbon offices and heritage regeneration.

1. Seaton Beach, Devon – UK’s First Certified Passivhaus Plus Multi-Residential

Challenge: Deliver ultra-efficient coastal apartments to the world-renowned Passivhaus Plus standard.

Solution: Porotherm clay block system for monolithic walls.

Impact: 

• Reduced embodied carbon - walls can be recycled without separation.
• Hygroscopic properties for healthier indoor environments.
• Faster build times, using blocks with 30% recycled content.

This Passivhaus case study shows how Porotherm clay block wall systems can make sustainable, multi-residential buildings a reality in the UK. 

2. Base, Manchester Science Park – Sustainable Office Building with Corium Cladding

Challenge: Create a modern workspace with high environmental performance. 

Solution: Corium brick cladding on Rainspan composite panels.

Impact:

• Cuts raw material use by up to 75% compared to traditional brick facades. 
• Supports BREEAM 'Very Good' and EPC 'A' ratings. 

Our Corium Brick Cladding system combines sustainability, speed, and aesthetics for low-carbon office construction. 

3. Blackburn Cathedral – Sustainable Extension in a Heritage Setting

Challenge: Extend a historic cathedral with modern efficiency and minimal disruption.

Solution: Porotherm clay blocks for clergy housing and cloisters.

Impact: 

• Faster construction with less on-site waste.
• Long-life materials suited to historic contexts. 

Even heritage projects can benefit from sustainable building blocks without compromising architectural integrity. 

4. Carrowbreck Meadow, Norwich – Passivhaus Housing Development

Challenge: Deliver highly energy-efficient homes that exceed current standards.

Solution: Porotherm blocks in thermally efficient external walls.

Impact:

• Achieves Passivhaus performance with reduced thermal bridging.
• Minimises construction waste with large-format block systems.
• Clay blocks help developers deliver Passivhaus-standard homes at scale for sustainable housing developments.

5. Storey’s Field Community Centre & Nursery – Low-Carbon Community Architecture

Challenge: Create a long-lasting community hub with sustainability at its core.

Solution: Con Mosso facing bricks for durable and attractive facades.

Impact:

• Low maintenance reduces whole-life carbon.
• Enhances social sustainability with iconic, long-lasting design.

Durable facing bricks reduce lifecycle carbon while supporting sustainable community design. 

6. Seven Acres – Sustainable Residential Development

Challenge: Build a large housing scheme with a focus on durability and efficiency.

Solution: Marziale bricks for resilience and long-term performance.

Impact: 

• Reduced need for maintenance and repair.
• Lower embodied carbon across the building lifecycle.

Sustainable residential developments benefit from durable brickwork that reduces long-term environmental impact.

7. Timekeepers Square, Salford – Regeneration with Sustainable Materials

Challenge: Revitalise a conservation area with contemporary yet sympathetic housing.

Solution: Forum Smoked Branco bricks complement existing urban fabric.

Impact: 

• Enables regeneration with context-sensitive materials.
• Supports re-use, longevity, and waste reduction.

Urban regeneration projects succeed when sustainable brick choices respect heritage while reducing environmental impact. 

Key Lessons from wienerberger’s Sustainable Projects:

• A fabric first approach: Prioritising high-performance walls and facades for energy efficiency.
• Material efficiency: Systems like Porotherm and Corium reduce material use and embodied carbon.
• Durability & longevity: Facing bricks and roof tiles minimise lifecycle emissions.
• Circular construction: Recyclable content and resource-efficient design support the circular economy.