5 ways brick adds character to Australian homes of every style

Australia’s architecture and design landscape is a striking patchwork of styles, each defined by its distinct forms, materials, and decorative elements. Yet, one material consistently elevates these diverse designs: brick. From sleek, minimal contemporary builds to classic Victorian terraces, brick brings both character and functionality to Australian homes. Its versatility and sustainability enliven the built environment, creating spaces that resonate with those who inhabit them.

Below are five standout residences showcasing how Brickworks' products inspire design across a spectrum of styles – from gracefully historic to effortlessly modern.

1. Bermagui Beach House

Winter Architecture’s Bermagui Beach House redefines coastal living through a modern and tactile material palette. GB Masonry Smooth in Porcelain sets the tone for this ethereal home, offering durability and texture while complementing its minimalist design. The rectilinear lines of the brickwork establish a structured base for the all-white interiors, creating a harmonious balance between the home’s contemporary furniture and its moody coastal surroundings.

2. Merricks Farmhouse

Merricks Farmhouse by Nielsen Jenkins and Michael Lumby Architecture exemplifies architectural restraint and material sophistication. The architects have reinterpreted a quintessential Australian countryside residence through a contemporary lens, seamlessly blending it into its coastal environment. Using the timeless Austral Masonry Grey Block, the design prioritises harmony with the landscape. Charcoal timber planks and rugged landscaping create intimate outdoor spaces, fostering a deep connection between the home’s interiors and the surrounding countryside.

3. The Ponds

The Ponds showcases brick’s ability to restore and revitalise historic spaces. Designed by WOWOWA, this vibrant project reimagines a home with layout challenges from earlier renovations. The architects simplified the structure while accentuating its striking Art Deco elements. Over the rear extension, Bowral Bricks in Gertrudis Brown, Bowral Brown, Limousin Gold, and Hereford Bronze create visual intrigue through undulating exterior walls. Inside, the warm, earthy tones of the brickwork extend seamlessly into the interior, adding a playful yet cohesive aesthetic.

4. The Casa

Inspired by the aquamarine coasts of the Mediterranean, The Casa demonstrates the flexibility of brick against the vast beauty of Australia’s landscapes. Builders Webb & Brown-Neaves have paired earthy tones with robust stone textures to create a Spanish Mission-style home that transports residents to sandy coastlines and jewel-toned vistas. The terracotta roofing, achieved using Bristile Roofing La Escandella Curvado in Roja, lends authenticity to the façade, with each tile’s unique variation enhancing the home’s charm.

5. Doasis

Located near Tallebudgera Creek, Doasis by Solis Estudio is a striking fusion of mid-century modern and coastal design. Austral Bricks La Paloma in Miro forms the foundation of this Queensland home, seamlessly transitioning from the exterior façade to the interior. Natural stone and warm timber elements complement the neutral-hued brickwork, instilling a sense of comfort and sophistication. The clean, rectilinear exterior contrasts with the organic shapes within, while soaring three-metre-high ceilings create an open, free-flowing space perfect for a variety of design styles.

Spanning centuries of design influences, Brickworks products enable creativity and innovation across Australian homes, delivering enduring and visually compelling projects. By combining aesthetic flexibility with durability and sustainability, brick continues to inspire architects, designers, and homeowners alike.

Main image: Winter Architecture’s Bermagui Beach House