Our timber cladding is rotten apparently and needs to come off. Should we replace it with fresh timber, or do something different? Ideas welcome.

I have had lots of nice comments on my house. Thanks everyone. I would add that I love the 1970's houses the big windows and open concept groovy style. However, the technology to pull it off wasn't quite there when they were built. If you are updating a 1970's house think about how you can introduce more insulation. I did the following: - internally insulated external walls with 10cm of wool. - insulated between floors (keeps things warm and prevents sound) - installed triple glazing and insulated behind the cladding. My heating bills are now minimal

Is the black cladding wood or timber effect? Black is pretty neutral so I would decide what shade of brick you like first. Would it be possible to visit a brick manufacturer or does your architect have brick slip samples? There are many different colour variations from reddish, more yellow to grey. You need to see samples in the flesh to decide. Its an expensive mistake to make if you get it wrong. Look at as many examples of brick barn conversions as you can first to get an idea. I prefer stone to brick, especially blue lias. I only really like historic brick on period houses.

Cladding is attached to the brickwork outside. There are many types available. Have a look on houzz. Just search modern cladding. It can be made of many materials. My current property is clad in larch as it is a barn conversion but I have used fibre cement for an extension before. There are many metal claddings to choose from too.