“We believe that it’s all about the small day-to-day operations that make the biggest impact over time,” says Brett Ward, General Manager International Marketing at Brickworks. “As one of Australia’s biggest building material producers, we are committed to local manufacturing, and believe this is an important facet of any business that wants to stimulate our economy and benefit the local community.”

As an extension of this core and to supplement the company’s commitment to local manufacturing and reinvestment in the industry, Brickworks has partnered with earthworks contractors across Australia to create an innovative operation that sees waste material from building sites all over the country, salvaged and repurposed to create new products.

One such program is currently taking place in South-East Queensland, where deep beneath Brisbane city, the Cross-River Rail project – a 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, which includes 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD – is beginning its journey as the largest infrastructure project in Queensland’s history.

One such program is currently taking place in South-East Queensland, where deep beneath Brisbane city, the Cross-River Rail project – a 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, which includes 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD – is beginning its journey as the largest infrastructure project in Queensland’s history.

Excavating through thousands of tonnes of rock and dirt every minute, the Cross River Rail Project inevitably creates immense amounts of construction spoil. But one person’s trash is indeed, in Brickworks’ case, another’s treasure. For the Cross River Rail project has created a ground-breaking opportunity to reimagine how businesses respond to measures of true sustainability.

Departing the headquarters at Woolloonbagga, continuous truckloads of spoil are packed up and sent to Austral Bricks’ Rochedale plant, where the stockpiles are being prepared for another purpose – the humble, yet iconic, brick.

“We all need to be sustainable in how we live and operate, and business itself has a responsibility to uphold these same values,” says Kyrien Nolan, General Manager of Austral Bricks QLD. “So much material could, and does, make its way into landfill each year unnecessarily, but if we can transform that into bricks that will be used to create a person’s biggest lifetime investment – their home – then it’s something we have a responsibility to do.”

“It truly is like gold to us.”

In its current state of operation, 80 per cent of the earthen material from the project is being recycled through the Austral Bricks Rochedale plant, where enough bricks to build at least 40 homes are being produced each day.

“Being the industry leaders, the onus is on us to champion and set the standard for innovative sustainable practice,” says Kyrien. “It comes back to being a responsible member of the community where we are helping to shape the fabric of these areas through the creation of local infrastructure, commercial buildings and most importantly – people’s homes.”

Victoria and New Zealand – an achievement that Cross River Rail CEO Graeme Newton admits is heartening to its core. “It’s amazing to imagine that the engineering feat that is Cross River Rail, is also contributing to people living in our state.”

The post Brickworks partners with earthworks contractors across Australia for Cross City Rail Operation appeared first on Brickworks.

Affordability:

A common misconception is that brick is expensive, and building a home in full brick will smash your construction budget. Whilst building in full brick may cost slightly more upfront than a brick veneer or a lightweight material, the savings in the long run are tenfold. Cutting out the costs of repairs, maintenance, painting, sealing, higher insurance premiums, higher energy costs and even the potential future cost of a rebuild, building in full brick is a no-brainer when it comes to long-term savings and to ensure the durability of your forever home. 

Energy bills can be sky-high during the cold winter months and the height of summer. Research at the University of Newcastle has proven that full brick construction performs the best for thermal comfort and energy efficiency, whilst lightweight construction performs the worst. 

Resale Value:

Whether downsizing, upsizing, moving to the country or moving overseas, the day may come when you feel the need to sell your home. Building in full brick creates a design aesthetic that is appealing to both homeowners, and prospective buyers alike. With tactile finishes, a timeless style and a guarantee of quality, brick homes have established themselves as having an excellent resale value. Many potential buyers look for brick materiality when purchasing a home, due to its low ongoing-maintenance, thermal and sound insulative qualities, fire and pest resistance and visually appealing finish. 

“Clay bricks are not flammable, combustible and do not burn. A home built in full brick is fire resistant.”

“Clay bricks are not flammable, combustible and do not burn. A home built in full brick is fire resistant.”

The post Building in Full Brick, the secret to a bushfire-resistant, affordable oasis appeared first on Brickworks.

Aesthetic appeal:

Warming the hearts of architecture aficionados nationwide, full brick homes are timeless in style and structure. Two of Australia’s most sought after traditional architectural styles, the Federation home and the Californian Bungalow are commonly constructed in full brick. Suburbs with these homes are more desirable, and the individual properties hold their value exceptionally well. On top of the appeal of value, the homes are classic and will never appear dated. Many federation homes are over 120 years old and yet are structurally sound and are still architecturally sought after.

A benefit of full brick is the visual allure of face brick. Homes with a face brick facade hold their form and style impeccably well. With no cracked render, bubbling paint or peeling timber, face brick facades have become the popular choice for architects and homeowners alike. 

Sound Reduction:

As urban life becomes denser and more diverse, homes are growing closer in proximity. Full brick is the perfect construction choice for common walls in apartments and townhouses. Minimising sound transmission, full brick allows you to protect your privacy, and create your own personal sanctuary from urban life. 

Whether you have a young family, an elderly family member, or like to host friends at home, keeping the noise from the outside out and the inside in is a huge priority.

Research by Architecturendesign found that most dense walls can provide up to a 50% reduction in noise. Due to the dense nature of clay bricks, and the double-installation feature of full brick, your home could be your own little haven from the chaos of the outside world.

“Minimising sound transmission, full brick allows you to protect your privacy, and create your own personal sanctuary from urban life.”

“Minimising sound transmission, full brick allows you to protect your privacy, and create your own personal sanctuary from urban life.”

The post Building in Full Brick, the key to your sustainable, durable forever home appeared first on Brickworks.