The vibrant colours of Mexico are the inspiration behind a new range of bricks developed in collaboration between Austral and one of Australia’s leading fashion designers.
In a creative new initiative, the 100-year-old brick manufacturing company has teamed up with the famously colour-inspired fashion designer Camilla Franks.
Now following two years in development, a range of glazed bricks in primary colours is set to be made available for architectural and design projects across Australia.
The ‘From Mexico City to Oaxaca’ collection was inspired by the designer’s study tour through Central America.
She says the collection draws upon Mexico City’s colonial grandeur and cobbled streets; the earthy tones of the Teotihuacan pyramids and Aztec treasures; the vivid symbolism of Frida Kahlo’s artworks; and the Spanish-infused culture of Coyoacan and Oaxaca.
“Mexico is all about contrasts. Mexico City is one of the world’s largest but, alongside the noise and energy, you have a civilisation that goes back millennia,” says Franks.
She designed the distinctive palette to be long-lasting and adaptable for a range of contemporary projects.
The colours are broadly divided in two balancing hues; they include the cool Azure and Aubergine, and warmer Sol, Flame and Rosado (pictured below).
Brickworks Building Products general manger marketing Brett Ward said the company is looking forward to seeing how Australian architects, designers and builders put the range to use in their new architectural projects.
“With Camilla’s eye for detail and distinctive design sensibility, we’ve created a dynamic new collection that really captures the vibrant colours and textures of Mexico,” he said.
“The lush colours are well-suited to the Australian culture, climate and environment,” he added.
