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Bricks & Pavers - Australia's low maintenance building materials. Inspiring home designs & information.
History of Brick
Whilst bricks today continue to be used widely in all built-form projects; commercial and public buildings, along with residential developments, the ubiquitous blonde and red brick of the mid 20th Century have long been super ceded by glazed metallics and honed smooth face bricks in shades like mocha and chocolate.
The first sun-dried bricks were probably made around 8000 BC in what is now Iraq. From 5000 BC bricks were kiln-fired, the key to their durability. Clay was ancient Mesopotamia's most important raw material and most buildings were made out of clay bricks including the protective walls that surrounded the cities.
The Romans were master brick makers and took their skills to Britain in 54 AD. These skills were mostly lost when the Romans left four centuries later, only to be revived later by Flemish brickmakers.
Bricks were part of the cargo of the First Fleet to Australia, along with brick moulds and a skilled convict brick maker, by the name of James Bloodsworth. As early as March 1788, a source of suitable clay was found in the new colony and brick making began. Australia's first brick building, Government House, was officially opened on June 4, 1789 just 16 months after the landing at Sydney Cove. Australia's oldest building, Elizabeth Farm in Parramatta NSW, is built in brick and construction of this elegant farmhouse began in 1793.
Throughout the twentieth century in Australia, brick styles and their application changed easily with the architectural styles of the day, moving from Georgian to Victorian styles; through to Federation and the decorative brickwork of art deco; to the popular cream and red brick homes of the 1950's and 1960's. Architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and Alvar Aalto all favoured brick and more recently, Renzo Piano and Mario Botta have showcased the possibilities of brick for the twenty first century.
Without brick, Australia would not have many of its grand public buildings, stately homes, fine art deco apartment blocks and elegant Federation streets. Even old brick warehouses and factories, once simple industrial buildings, are enjoying a new incarnation as modern loft-style houses and apartments that are sought-after for their character and open spaces.
Whether you're an architect or prospective homeowner, register & stay informed about the new and exciting design varieties offered by face brick.
Climate Control
Based on decades of climate data, our interactive wizard helps you plan the most climate friendly building for your location.
