Slimline bricks: the sleek, versatile choice for your next project

Locally owned and operated, Viblock produces high-quality architectural masonry products including pavers, blocks, retaining walls and brick veneers. With the ability to be customised and used in different laying patterns, their brick veneers are proving popular for bespoke builds across the country, including commercial and residential projects. 

Sleek in form and available in a range of contemporary colours and textures, slimline bricks aren’t only for exterior applications. They can also bring warmth and texture to interior settings – creating a seamless design from the outside in. 

A prime example of this is the award-winning Wānaka S.K.I House nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Designed by Roberts Gray Architects and crafted by Level Construction, the home is a multi-generational retreat and a testament to how considered design can balance the challenges of extreme climates with effortless sophistication.  

“Viblock is proud to have played a role in this award-winning project, providing locally manufactured masonry that forms the backbone of the home’s structure and aesthetic,” says Viblock’s General Manager, Jim Hunter. “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.”

Enjoying views of the Buchanan Peaks and Lake Wānaka, it was important for the residence to be low-maintenance and seamlessly transition between the seasons – acting as a warm sanctuary in the winter and a cool, tranquil retreat during the hot summer months. 

Key to achieving this was the choice of materials. Yaki-sugi cedar cladding, raw galvanised steel and Viblock’s concrete masonry bricks combine in a restrained, understated palette.

The range of Viblock bricks allows designs to be tailored to meet specific needs. From the most slimline Dart brick to the Kawarau brick, and the H1001 – which is made at half the height of a standard 10 series block for a slimline look – the range provides near-endless possibilities. The H1001 Slimline Architectural Brick was chosen for the Wānaka S.K.I House, laid in a classic stretch bond pattern. 

“It’s difficult to achieve a building that appears so simple in geometry. Viblock’s range allowed us to create something that is both functional and expressive,” says Jimmy Gray, Director at Roberts Gray Architects.

The lightweight nature of slimline bricks makes them easy to handle, providing the opportunity for intricate detailing such as this. 

For multi-storey buildings, this also opens impressive design opportunities. “Using our specified engineered solution, designers can specify our bricks up to three storeys high without engineering,” says Jim.

Part of Wānaka S.K.I House’s wow factor is its double-skinned masonry construction. 

By combining Viblock’s structural masonry blocks with an outer veneer, the architects achieved a home that is as functional as it is beautiful. Masonry was chosen for its unmatched durability, offering a solid, low-maintenance solution that could withstand Central Otago’s harsh weather conditions. 

The double-skin system also allowed for consistent wall finishes inside and out, enhancing the home’s minimalist aesthetic while reducing ongoing upkeep for the homeowners.

Used internally and externally, Viblock bricks assist the thermal performance of this Wānaka home. This has been further enhanced by meticulous insulation strategies, including insulated slab edges and a thermally tight building envelope. This approach is a smart choice for homes in New Zealand where we experience such climate extremes.

Beyond thermal performance, the masonry also provides exceptional sound insulation. Whether it’s the bustling activity of a multi-generational family or the sounds of nature outside, the blockwork absorbs noise to create a quiet and peaceful environment.

Containing few raw materials and limited energy to produce, all Viblock bricks are made locally in Central Otago from reprocessed aggregates. The eco-conscious production process ensures a smaller carbon footprint from transportation to construction.

Viblock’s range of bricks offers impressive benefits and potential. If you’re looking for locally manufactured masonry to inform your next project, explore the full range from Viblock and view more of their recent projects on ArchiPro for inspiration.