The primary requirement for house finishing in Spain and the Costa Brava is protection against adverse weather conditions. The following factors are considered:

• Thermal conductivity: lower values help retain heat in winter and coolness in summer; 

• Thermal capacity: high in brick and concrete, medium in wood, low in frame structures; 

• Water absorption: affects thermal conductivity, strength, and durability; 

• Fire resistance: brick and concrete are non-combustible, while wood is less resistant; 

• Sound insulation: brick and concrete provide quiet environments, while frame structures are less effective; 

• Strength: concrete houses are the strongest, followed by brick, porous concrete, and wood structures. 

Considerations include:

• Location of the house (e.g., near a noisy road, soundproof materials are recommended); 

• Resistance to moisture and wind; 

• Material weight and foundation load; 

• Durability and cost-effectiveness. 

Brick as a Universal Material
Brick remains one of the most versatile materials due to its variety in shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. In Spain, hollow bricks are commonly used to reduce wall weight, foundation load, and thermal conductivity.