Discover how Richie’s Brick and Block earned back-to-back national recognition for two technically challenging Christchurch projects, showcasing precision, craftsmanship and teamwork.
Quality brickwork is about much more than laying bricks. It takes precision, planning, craftsmanship and the ability to adapt when a project presents unexpected challenges. At Richie’s Brick and Block, those qualities have been recognised at the national Master Brick and Blocklayers Excellence Awards two years in a row.
In both 2025 and 2026, our team received recognition for premium residential multi-unit developments in Christchurch. Being judged by experienced people within the bricklaying industry makes these awards particularly meaningful to our team.
Master Brick & Blocklayers Excellence Award 2026: 50b Murray Place
The development at 50b Murray Place required a high level of accuracy from start to finish. With multiple levels, prominent external corners and detailed brickwork throughout, careful planning and execution were essential.
The site itself added another layer of difficulty. Access and storage along the driveway were limited, scaffolding restricted some important working areas, and the team was working within a tight four-week timeframe.
There were also unexpected detailing issues to resolve along the way. Our team adapted as the project progressed, using practical problem-solving and skilled workmanship to keep everything moving without compromising the quality of the finished brickwork.
The completed project is one we are extremely proud of and a great example of what can be achieved through experience, teamwork and attention to detail. Receiving an Excellence Award for the project made the result even more rewarding.
Jim Matthews Excellence Award 2025: 44 Winchester Street
Our award-winning work at 44 Winchester Street presented a very different technical challenge.
The project used Roman bricks, which are longer and slimmer than standard bricks and require considerable precision to achieve clean, consistent lines. Combined with a complex multi-level architectural design, internal alcoves and exposed external corners, there was little room for error.
Brick was also the sole cladding material, meaning the quality of the brickwork and mortar finish was visible throughout the entire exterior. There were no other materials to disguise inconsistencies, making careful workmanship particularly important.
One of our favourite aspects of the completed development is the view from the north, where the scale of the brickwork and detailed mortar finish come together to create a strong, cohesive result.
Receiving the Jim Matthews Excellence Award in 2025, followed by further recognition in 2026, is something the whole Richie’s Brick and Block team is proud of.
For residential, commercial and multi-unit developments requiring experienced brick and block laying, get in touch with Richie’s Brick and Block to discuss your next project.
