The 1980s were a turbulent and affluent time for the building industry in Australia, the perfect conditions for the development of EMPIRE Brick, a new lightweight brick facing system ideal for renovations, transportable buildings, and even new homes. Home owners looking to capitalise on their assets were renovating existing properties at a rapid pace, and many were choosing traditional brick veneer. With tradesmen in short supply, lengthy project times, and council approvals, a family business with experience in vinyl cladding came up with a concept for ‘real brick’ cladding. And after appro ..read more

When Probuild successfully secured the $300 million construction contract to redevelop the QIC-owned Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba, Queensland they knew they were looking for innovative building materials to complete the ambitious design. The project involved doubling the size of the centre (90,000m2), and as it was a renovation there were some difficult areas to manage, including a front facing facade section. The design called for a suspended ‘brick blade’ prefabricated brick panel facade, and this was a construction challenge EMPIRE Brick could solve. Prefabricated ..read more

Australian technology company, Perth-based Fastbrick Robotics (ASX: FBR) announces the commercial release in 2017 of Hadrian X, the world’s first robot bricklayer, set to transform the construction industry with innovative 3D printing technology. Through this time-lapse video below, see the Hadrian 105 (precursor to the commercial model, Hadrian X) demonstrate the ability of its technology and provides a first look at the future of the brick construction industry. To read more about Fastbrick Robotics and Hadrian X, visit their official page here. The post Robot Bricklaying - F ..read more

1. Seek inspiration by looking to buildings with historic pasts In recent years the ability to renovate and give life to old warehouses, barns, and industrial buildings has taken the design world by storm. From rustic exposed finishes and structural elements to industrial inspired lighting fixtures, there is no doubt that industrial details are here to stay. The appeal of bringing back a design age that focused on manufacturing, mechanical ingenuity and appreciating raw and unfinished interiors is a gorgeous way to bring industrial style to your home. If you’ve been admiring those urban lofts ..read more