Versatile and customisable, concrete brick veneers are a popular choice for residential and commercial facades.
“Concrete bricks are great for all kinds of projects, from cost-conscious builds to high-end projects. Especially when laid and sealed correctly, the projects will last for many centuries with minimal maintenance,” says Viblock’s general manager, Jim Hunter.
Locally owned and operated, Viblock provides New Zealand’s construction industry with high-quality architectural masonry products including pavers, blocks, retaining walls and brick veneer – all in a range of contemporary colours for a variety of applications.
What are the latest trends in concrete brick veneers?
Like many other products used in construction and design – from tiles and textiles to furniture and homewares – concrete veneers have not been immune to changing trends.
Fluted and textural profiles
“A high-end trend is using brick with different textures from the traditional,” says Hunter.
Providing plenty of options, Viblock offers split face and fluted profiles, as well as honed and textured finishes.
Viblock's brick veneer profiles are all available in a range of contemporary colours and textures.
Slimline formats
The adoption of slimline profiles is another trend seen in other areas of design that has influenced the way architects, designers and homeowners are integrating concrete brick veneers into their projects.
“There is a trend towards slimline bricks often referred to as Roman style. We have two new sizes available: Dart (450x52x70mm) and Kawarau (450x70x70mm). We have supplied several projects near completion and they are receiving great feedback.”
There is a trend towards slimline bricks, often referred to as Roman style.
Different laying patterns
A departure from traditional stretch bonds, different laying patterns are also on trend. Different styles including random bonds, flemish and drunken bonds are being seen in high-end residential projects.
Our ability to customise is only limited to the designer’s imagination.
However, Viblock’s concrete brick veneers aren’t limited to the current trends or stock availability.
“We are working with customers to provide unique colours, and using our specified engineered solution, designers can specify our bricks up to three storeys high without engineering,” says Hunter.
An exciting project is the Cromwell Hall where Viblock is supplying a product that will feature local schist stone in the brick with different textures on the inside and outside of the building to represent the area.
“Our ability to customise is only limited to the designer’s imagination.”
As well as sleek and customisable design, masonry buildings have a range of additional benefits.
Low environmental impact: Masonry blocks require little energy to manufacture, have a local supply chain and last a lifetime.
Viblock is also working towards further improvement in this area. “We are working with cement suppliers to produce a brick with a much lower embodied CO2 due to cement being replaced with other materials. This will make the product even more environmentally friendly over the lifecycle of the brick,” says Hunter.
Sound insulation: The mass of masonry blocks creates a quiet home when compared with traditional building materials.
Low maintenance: Masonry concrete requires very minimal maintenance over the lifetime of a building.
Thermal mass: Concrete is known for its ability to store heat energy, also known as thermal mass.
Low energy costs: The high thermal mass of masonry homes reduces the need for heating and cooling and the associated costs.
Fire resistant: Concrete masonry has no combustible elements.
Weather resistant: Provided the exterior is sealed when recommended, masonry homes will perform against all natural elements.
Affordable: Over the lifetime of a building, masonry homes are a cost-effective building material.
Shotover Kiwibricks: Viblock’s modern take on the classic brick look
Available in a range of colours and texture treatments, the Shotover bricks each measure 220x73x70mm.
“Textured Shotover midnight bricks have been used for a recent project in Christchurch,” says Hunter. “The exposed aggregates in the brick make the wall come to life in different lights and angles.”
Named after the Kawarau River where the aggregate is sourced to make the product, the Kawarau brick comes in 450x70x70mm size, is available in a range of colours including custom, and can be textured, honed or plain to suit a range of projects and aesthetics.
“Several projects have recently used our Kawarau bricks. Customers are loving the look and there has been great feedback from bricklayers regarding the usability of the bricks.”
Kawarau Kiwibricks from Viblock have a sleek, slimline profile.
Dart Kiwibricks: Viblock’s most slimline brick profile
Measuring 450x52x70mm, the slimline Dart brick completes a look often referred to as Roman – mimicking the look of a brick type used during Ancient Roman times.
Available in natural, white, terracotta, crawford, charcoal, midnight and bannockburn, the brick borrows its name from New Zealand’s Dart River which is upstream of the plant/aggregate source where the bricks are made.
Dart Kiwibricks are slimline and available in modern tones.
If you’re looking for a concrete brick veneer to use in your next project or would like to learn more about the possibilities of customisation, get in touch with Viblock. Explore their products on ArchiPro, and be inspired by recent projects.
