Purple Bricks

Why choose purple bricks?

For architects and homeowners chasing a distinctive, contemporary look, purple bricks offer unique depth and warmth. From dusky mauves to rich plum tones, their colour shifts subtly with changing light, delivering a façade that feels alive. Because the pigment is fired directly into the clay body, the hue will not peel or fade, even in New Zealand’s harsh UV conditions.

Design considerations

Match the mood

• Feature walls: Use a darker bond or hit-and-miss pattern to create movement.
• Full cladding: Pair purple bricks with black joinery for a crisp, architectural edge.
• Heritage renovations: Soft lavender tones can complement original red bricks for sympathetic extensions.

Texture & finish

Most suppliers offer smooth, wire-cut or handmade textures. A rougher face catches light and shadow, emphasising the colour variation. In high-wind zones, a low-porosity smooth brick may be preferable to minimise salt staining.

Mortar matters

The mortar colour will amplify or mute the brickwork. A charcoal mortar sharpens joints and intensifies purple; a pale grey mortar softens the overall effect. Discuss sample panels with your mason before committing.

Performance & compliance

Purple bricks meet the same structural and fire-rating benchmarks as standard clay units. When specified as brick veneer, they must comply with NZS 4210 (Masonry Construction). Detailing around openings and control joints follows standard best practice. For further technical guidance, consult the BRANZ Brick Veneer Factsheet.

Cost & supply chain

Expect to pay a 5–15 % premium over common reds due to specialised pigmentation and smaller production runs. Ordering lead-times range from two to six weeks. On ArchiPro you can filter suppliers by region to reduce freight costs and carbon footprint.

Installation tips

• Sample panels: Build at least 1 m² on site to sign off colour blend and mortar.
• Blend pallets: Always draw from at least three pallets simultaneously to avoid banding.
• Weather protection: Cover stacks with breathable wrap; water saturation before laying can alter tone.

Sustainable considerations

Many New Zealand brickmakers now fire kilns with renewable biomass or capture waste heat, lowering embodied carbon. Salvaged bricks are also available—perfect for feature landscaping walls.

Related cladding options

Still refining the exterior palette? Explore complementary materials across our cladding & façades collection:

• Timber cladding for warmth and contrast
• Metal cladding for sharp, industrial lines
• Masonry & stone when you need natural texture
• Fibre cement cladding for low-maintenance panels
• Composite cladding offering high durability
• Green facades to soften brickwork with living plants

Next steps

Ready to turn concept into construction? Compare purple bricks from New Zealand’s trusted suppliers, download datasheets, or request a sample pack straight from the product tiles. Your statement wall starts here.