Bricks

The Austral Bricks story

When it comes to creating the perfect home we all need a

Austral Bricks™ has a proud tradition of 100% little inspiration. That’s where the team at Austral Bricks
Australian ownership, with all products being
manufactured in Australia, using local materials, can help. At an Austral Bricks Display Centre you’ll find
suppliers and staff. Today, Austral Bricks’™ operations
more of everything - more colours, more choice, expert advice
consist of 18 factories, across six states.

More than 100 years of South Australian history lies and of course, that touch of inspiration.
behind the company’s original name, Hallett Brick.
English migrant Job Hallett began making bricks in
Creating your ideal home is easy... just ask Austral Bricks.
suburban Adelaide in 1886 with a small family claypit
and horse drawn pugmill.

In 2004 Hallett Brick changed its name to Austral Bricks™,

joining a national team which is considered the leader in
housing and commercial building products, pavers and
retaining wall blocks.

The Golden Grove plant combines state-of-the-art

technology with the company’s long experience in the
manufacture of bricks and pavers to exacting Australian
standards, resulting in a world-class high-quality pr oduct.

Austral Bricks’™ extensive range of products are

manufactured to the highest quality. Each batch of
bricks, pavers and tiles is graded at various stages of the
manufacturing process and laboratory tested to make
sure it meets strict Australian standards.

Recognised as one of Australia’s leading manufacturers

of quality clay building products, Austral Bricks’™
resources extend beyond factories and clay reserves, to
its team of dedicated employees.

Austral Bricks’™ staff are committed to producing the

highest quality bricks, pavers and walling products, while
providing value for money and exceptional customer service.

By mining clay and shale from their own reserves, and

investing in new technology, Austral Bricks™ maintains
the lowest manufacturing cost structure.

A national research and development program co-ordinates

all new product development activities to ensure that
Austral Bricks™ continues to build its reputation for
delivering top quality, innovative products that address
the needs of the building and construction industry.

From humble beginnings, Austral Bricks™ has grown to be

one of the leading, quality clay product manufacturers in
the world and a truly great Australian success story.
Contents

Company History 2

Designing with Bricks 4

Real Brick - Your Best Investment 5

Types of Bricks 6

Mortar Joints 7

Hallett Range 8

Lonsdale Range 10

Urban One Range 12

Peninsula Range 14

Symmetry Range 16

Pressed Range 18

Governors Range 20

Elements Range 22

Bowral 50mm Range 24

Pressed Shapes 26

Energy Efficiency 28

Delivery Information 30

Austral Bricks™ Colour Palette 32

 Why Brick?
For any number of reasons, including durability, sustainability,
thermal comfort and the endless design possibilities, clay brick
should be at the top of the consideration list of building
materials for your project. Few other building materials tick
quite as many boxes.

Bricks have been part of Australia’s culture since the early

settlement. But over the years bricks have constantly evolved
to keep pace with changing architectural and design trends.

Austral Bricks™ have always been at the cutting edge of new

innovation and product development, using the latest brick
making technology to create an exciting new generation of
bricks. There are extensive colours to choose from and many
different finishes - from sleek glossy blacks to roughly edged
rustic bricks with a hand-crafted appearance.

Whether the site is a contemporary cliff-top retreat,

city terrace, local school, or heritage restoration project,
there are bricks to suit any building style.

4
Real Brick - Your Best Investment
Adelaide is a city of Brick, renowned from its earliest days
for its graceful public buildings and brick-built suburbs.
Over the years there have been many competitors to brick
but none has had the value, good looks, performance and
investment potential that only brick delivers....
and keeps on delivering.
Built-in value
It’s not for nothing that the term “bricks and mortar”
signifies a safe and secure investment. The real estate
market has long acknowledged the value of real brick.
Built-in strength
Brick houses in inner suburbs - many well over a century
old - are as sturdy as ever and looking even better.
That’s the timelessness of brick.
Built-in performance
Maintenance (or more correctly, the lack of it)
is another reason for brick’s enduring popularity.
Brickwork does not require a surface finish to maintain
it’s good looks. No ongoing costs, no lost annual
holidays “doing the outside of the house”.
Built-in protection
The mass of brickwork excludes the worst of the
summer sun and helps trap your expensive winter heat.
Brickwork is an ideal sound insulator and being
non-flammable - after all, bricks are kiln-fired at
temperatures up to 1200ºC - it has excellent
fire resistance.
5
 Types of Bricks
Wirecut Bricks
Wirecut bricks are the versatile staples of
our brick range. They are widely used in building
applications from everyday housing to large,
architect-designed commercial projects. Their
manufacturing process makes possible a vast range
of surface finishes, from smooth to sandy, highly
textured to glazed. The colours of wirecut bricks are
equally diverse, covering the spectrum from pale
off-white and grey through traditional red to deep
tan and burgundy.
Pressed Bricks
Pressed bricks are our premium products, still made
on original presses dating back almost a century.
This moulding process gives each brick an individual
character that is highly valued by architects, builders
and discerning home-owners.
These are literally “the bricks that built Adelaide”,
that gave our city its distinctive architecture.
Their heritage makes our pressed bricks the only
choice for period-style buildings but they are equally
“at home” in contemporary architecture.
Shapes
Shaped bricks take brickwork out of the square.
Their sculpted designs help create distinctive and authentic
architectural features such as formed window sills,
moulding courses, bullnose cappings and much more.
Austral Bricks™ offer a wide range of shapes in
complementary and contrasting colours.

6
Mortar - The finishing touch
There’s more to brickwork than bricks. You might be
surprised to know that mortar makes up about 15 percent
of the surface area of brickwork. So it’s not surprising that
the colour and finish of mortar joints will affect our
perception of a wall.
Mortar Colour
The most common mortar colour is mid-grey, often
called “natural”. However mortar can be coloured,
usually by adding powdered or liquid pigments to the
mortar as it is being mixed by the bricklayer.
Mortar can also be tinted to match the brick colour,
giving a very even wall colour. This works well with
most bricks but for a really modern design consider
a matching flush-finished mortar.
At the other extreme is off-white mortar made by
mixing light colour cement and white sand. White
mortar sits nicely with light pastel tones and it can also
make a sensational contrast with darker bricks.
White*
Brighton Lite*
Grey*
Black* *Colours shown are an indication only.
Mortar Finishes
There are four common mortar finishes. The key to
understanding mortar finishes is sunlight. A raked
finish will cause a deep shadow to form in the mortar
joint. This brings out the horizontal lines of the
brickwork (and the vertical lines to a lesser extent).
Ironed and struck joints also create shadowlines,
but much finer and more subtle.
A flush joint doesn’t allow shadowlines to form, giving
the wall a more unified look. Using a mortar colour to
match the brick will take this a step further. Use flush
joints with straight-edged bricks. They are not suited
to rolled or irregular edges such as tumbled bricks.
Raked Flush
Ironed Struck
7
 Hallett Range

8
Hallett Range Clay Bricks
Austral Bricks™ Hallett Range clay bricks have
been South Australia’s favourite building material
for over 100 years.

Builders and renovators alike recognise the reliability of

the Austral Bricks™ name, the superb colour options and
the broad selection of textures and styles within the
Hallett Range.

The rich earthy tones add character and distinction to any

new home, regardless of style - contemporary or heritage,
traditional or avant-garde, mansion or cottage.

Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

Colonial Red Settlers Grey

Old Cottage Red Vintage Red

Old Federal Red Vintage Grey

< Hallett Range Old Federal Red works beautifully for modern or traditional houses.

9
 Lonsdale Range

10
Lonsdale Range Clay Bricks
The Lonsdale Range with its unique tumbled appearance
is a popular choice for homeowners and builders looking
to create a home that projects their individuality and
attention to detail.

The blended hues of the Lonsdale Range captures a

natural style, and the design options are further
complemented by it being available in a traditional brick
size and a double height block which can be blended
for a truly stunning result.

Size: Lonsdale Brick - 230 x 110 x 76mm

Lonsdale Block (Ascot Pewter and Georgian Red) - 230 x 110 x 162mm

Ascot Pewter

Ascot Pewter Stone

Georgian Red

Georgian Red Stone

Saxon Gold

< Lonsdale Range Saxon Gold creates a distinctive and natural appearance.

11
 Urban One

12
Urban One Range Clay Bricks
Neutral colours are so versatile.
The soft, subtle colours of Urban One create the perfect
backdrop to feature walling materials such as
Elements semi-glazed bricks, render, timber and stone.
Urban One colours also blend beautifully with each other.
and being kiln fired, they are colourfast, low maintenance
and will last a lifetime.

Size: Urban One Brick - 230 x 110 x 76mm

Urban One Block (Almond and Grange) - 230 x 110 x 162mm

Chocolate Nougat

Macadamia Latte

Almond Grange

< Urban One Range Chocolate is a rich contrast against a metallic finish.

13
 Peninsula Range

14
Peninsula Range Clay Bricks
If you’ve always admired the style of houses on the coast,
you’ll love the look of the Peninsula Series from
Austral Bricks™. This unique range captures the essence
of coastal living with colours and textures that open up all
sorts of possibilities.

Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

Peninsula Block (Sellicks) - 230 x 110 x 162mm
Maxi Block (Albany Cream & Golden Bay) - 290 x 90 x 162mm

Canvas
Albany Cream 290 x 90 x 162

Sandridge
Golden Bay 290 x 90 x 162

Sellicks
Sellicks Block 230 x 110 x 162

< Peninsula Range Canvas creates a seaside feel.

15
 Symmetry Range

16
Symmetry Range Clay Bricks
Austral Bricks™ brings you the Symmetry Range especially
developed to accommodate vast architectural designs.

This range of modern colours is colour consistant, perfect

for those larger projects and decorative brickwork.

Each Symmetry brick has an ultra smooth finish

giving your building a sleek and contemporary look
that will last a lifetime.

Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

Symmetry Cream Symmetry Grey

Symmetry Brown

< Symmetry Range Symmetry Brown blends beautifully to create a modern facade.

17
 Pressed Range

18
Pressed Range Clay Bricks
Austral Bricks™ Pressed Range Clay Bricks are traditional
products whose genuine heritage character has remained
unchanged for most of this century.

They have a unique laminated appearance with greater

individuality than other bricks, and are the preferred choice
for above-average homes and for homebuilders seeking to
give their home a distinctive appearance.

The original colour - Pressed Red - is still available,

and has been complemented by a range of colours which
reflect contemporary tastes and traditional values.

Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

Pressed Red Coffee

Olde Clinker Manganese

Pastel Grey Pastel Cream

< Pressed Range Pressed Red crafts an authentic superior home.

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 Governors Range

20
Governors Range Clay Bricks
Like the first sandstocks made in colonial times, the
Governor sandstocks are solid with a double facing -
a feature unique to a truly authentic sandstock brick.

The clays and shales that give the Governor sandstocks

their special appeal are carefully mined and blended, then
soured for up to twelve months. What makes a sandstock
brick different to a normal brick is the forming process.
The soft clay clot is firstly rolled in sand prior to being
“thrown” into a mould or stock before being fired in a
modern kiln specially designed for sandstocks.
This process ensures that each clay blend produces the
highest quality products and colours. Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

King Duff

Lindesay Belmore

Haigh Foveaux

< Governor Range Haigh incorporates premium style and quality.

21
 Elements Series

22
Elements Series Clay Bricks
The Elements Series are an impressive and innovative
architectural range. Their beautifully glazed faces will
impart a shimmering, silk-like finish and subtle sheen to
your home. These are bricks as you have never seen them
before.

Elements Series bricks look sensational on their own, or

accented with conventional bricks or other walling
materials such as render, timber and steel.

Size: 230 x 110 x 76mm

Cobalt Nickle

Zinc

< Elements Series Zinc are the ultimate in contemporary style.

23
 Bowral 50mm

24
Bowral 50mm Clay Bricks
Austral Bricks™ Bowral contains all the outstanding
qualities which have made the Bowral dry pressed bricks
timeless but with one exception. The new streamlined size
will allow architects and builders a greater range of
versatility with contemporary designs. As architecture
design continually evolves the latest trend of mixing a
number of different materials and facade systems was a
driving force in creating the Bowral series.

The Bowral will perfectly compliment rendered wall,

weatherboard, bagging, corrugated iron, stone walls and
other highlight walls.
Size: 230 x 110 x 50mm

Bowral Blue Gertrudis Brown

Capitol Red Simmental Silver

Charolias

< Bowral 50mm Charolias compliments all contemporary building materials.

25
 Pressed Special Shapes

26
CB5 Plinth - The traditional use of plinth brick
is to taper two brickwork skins into a
76
76 single skin, creating a decorative ledge
230
230 effect. A typical use is around the base
110
110 course of a building, where two skins of
CB6 brickwork below floor level taper into a
76
single brick skin which forms the wall of
Pressed Plinth
26 the house. Another application of the
76
230
plinth brick is to provide bevelled capping
230
110
110 on walls.
CB7

26 76

230
230 110
110
CB8

76
76

26
230
230
110
110

Pressed Single Bullnose

110
110 Single Bullnose - This brick can be used
230
230
as a sill under windows, to create
rounded step treads, as capping on a
76
76 wall, or used in brick seats, planter boxes
CB9
and other rounded constructions.

110
230
Double Bullnose - Like the single
bullnose brick, but is generally more
suited as a capping brick. It can be used
76 for capping on garden walls, parapet
CB10
walls or to provide a rounded profile to
vertical brick piers, such as garage
entrance.
Pressed Double Bullnose

230 110
CB47RH Window Reveal - The window reveal
brick creates a 45˚ bevel on brickwork
76
adjoining the window. There are three
bricks in the system - starter pieces both
110 left and right, and the 45˚ reveal brick. It
230
can be used around any opening ie.
76 windows, doorways, garage entrances or
CB47
columns. It provides a sculptured or
110 architect designed look for a perfect
230
finish.
76

CB47LH
Pressed Window Reveal

110
CB51 Scotia - There are two versions of the
76
scotia brick - Header scotia and Stretcher
scotia. The scotia brick is used in
230 corbelling work, or in capping for fences
and parapet walls. It can also be used as
a plinth brick, where one skin of
brickwork is tapered back to meet a
76
second face, such as in buttresses or brick
230 110 piers.
CB52

27
Pressed Scotia
 Bricks Save Energy, Save Money
Insulation – Wall and ceiling insulation acts as
a barrier to heat movement. Most walls have
similar insulation value (R value) regardless of the
wall material.

Thermal mass – Heavy, dense walls such as brick

absorb heat and slow it’s transfer through the wall.
This ‘lag time’ is a different quality to the insulation R
Your choice of building materials can have a major
value. Unlike lightweight walls such as fibro or
effect on how much energy is consumed in your home.
weatherboard, brick walls are more efficient at
Bricks - Australia’s preferred building material - are a moderating temperature in summer and winter.
natural part of any energy-efficient house design.
According to the Australian Greenhouse Office*,
Cavity brick (very high thermal mass)
heating and cooling consumes a massive 39 percent
of our everyday household energy costs. Brickwork,
Brick veneer (high thermal mass)
combined with simple passive design principles, can
help lower these costs while maintaining a reasonable
Lightweight walling (low thermal mass)
thermal comfort level.
The four principals of passive design are:

Orientation – Large, North-facing shaded glass lets in

the low winter sun while excluding the higher summer
sun.
Ventilation – Using airflow to cross ventilate and cool
naturally.
*www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/pdf/fs40pdf
Because of their thermal mass, brick walls are more able to
moderate temperatures than lightweight walls, even though their
R-values may be similar.
What can we conclude – Brickwork’s high thermal
mass combined with passive design will make your
more comfortable and energy efficient.

SUMMER WINTER

Eaves shade glass Brick walls Direct and

from high-angled absorb heat reflected
summer sun from internal air radiation is
helping to keep absorbed by
Low-angled
your home brick walling and
winter sun
comfortable released at night
penetrates
to keep your
under eaves
house warm.
Open windows and doors
allow cross ventilation

Orientation, shading of large, north-facing windows, and cross ventilation are some of the principles of passive design.

28
Building a Sustainable Future
In recent years there has been increasing concern about
global warming, pollution levels and dwindling natural
resources. Your choice of building materials can have an
impact on our environment for generations to come.
Bricks are the Natural Choice
Long life - Bricks stand the test of time. The evidence of
that is all around us.
Low maintenance - Face brickwork doesn’t require
special cleaning, painting or protective coatings to
maintain its good looks.
Durable - Bricks are immensely strong, resisting fire and
impact damage, and vermin or termite attack.
Healthy - Brickwork is inert, emitting virtually no
chemicals or gases.
Reusable - Bricks are one of the few materials that can
be re-used (not just recycled) with their original qualities
intact.
A Sustainable Industry
Abundant - Bricks are made from clay and shale, our
planet’s most abundant materials.
Low impact - Our raw material quarries are carefully
controlled to minimise environmental impact and ensure
the land is rehabilitated.
Energy efficient - Most brick production is highly
automated, using clean natural gas in highly-efficient
kilns.
Conserving water - Where possible our plants recycle
water and use rainwater collected on site.
Recycling waste - Clay waste and misformed bricks are
recycled back into the manufacturing process.
29
 Things to remember
when placing an order
• Clear Directions
Please give clear delivery instructions, including the
nearest crossroad, to help our drivers find the site.
• Difficult Site
If you have a difficult-to-access site, please advise us
so a supervisor can inspect the site.
• Job Site Sign
Please put one of our “job site signs” in a prominent
position on the front of your property. It helps our
drivers locate your site.
• Special Instructions
If product is to be placed in specific positions within the
site please indicate this with signs staked in the ground.
• Colour Blending
All clay bricks and pavers vary in colour within the pack,
and from one pack to another. All bricks and pavers
must therefore be blended (mixed among themselves)
when laid to ensure a consistent colour effect across the
whole surface. Please see our blending instructions on
the packs.
• Cleaning
Your new brickwork will be professionally cleaned after
laying. This is a skilled process that requires materials
and techniques tailored to the specific requirements of
the site and the bricks. For more information talk to
your builder or ask your Austral Bricks™ representative.

30
 Start Landscaping now and save!
Building soon? This is the time to consider your landscaping needs.

At the very least you should plan the extent and placement of your paving and garden features, especially those
requiring retaining walls or terracing.

There are many advantages in having some or all of your landscaping construction coordinated with the building of
your new house.

• Building terraces and retaining walls now will reduce site damage and erosion during construction.

• You will save heaps by excavating and levelling the entire site, not just the foundations. It will cost a little extra
initially but you will save in the longer term.

• Take advantage of the easier site access during construction. It might be difficult to bring in equipment and
landscaping materials later.

• Take advantage of the trades on site. Your builder can arrange for tradespeople to run services such as water,
power and drainage connections for your landscaping, usually at little extra cost.

The benefits are even greater if you are building on a sloping site that requires levelling. Austral Bricks™ offers a
great range of landscaping products, including our famous clay pavers. Talk it over with our representative and ask
for a copy of our paving brochure.

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Austral Bricks Colour Palette

Charolias Canvas Sellicks* Grange*

Pastel Cream Sandridge Almond* Symmetry Cream

Simmental Silver Nougat Latte Lindesay

Pastel Grey King Macadamia Vintage Grey

Duff Haigh Symmetry Grey Settlers Grey

Capitol Red Vintage Red Ascot Pewter* Saxon Gold

Belmore Old Federal Red Colonial Red Pressed Red

Old Cottage Red Georgian Red* Coffee Chocolate

Gertrudis Brown Bowral Blue Olde Clinker Symmetry Brown

Cobalt Nickle Zinc Foveaux

Manganese

Golden Bay Maxi 290 x 90 x 162 Albany Cream Maxi 290 x 90 x 162

*Block Sizes also available for the following: NOTE: Colour Palette to be used as a guide only
Grange & Almond Block = 230 x 110 x 162
Sellicks Block = 230 x 110 x 162
Ascot Pewter Stone & Georgian Red Stone = 230 x 110 x 162

32
More colours. More choice. Expert advice.

31
www.australbricks.com.au
13 BRIC (13 2742)

Selection Centres
Richmond
392 South Road
Telephone (08) 8152 0302
Facsimile (08) 8152 0465

Golden Grove
Greenwith Road
Telephone (08) 8251 1166
Facsimile (08) 8251 4324

The Austral Brick Company Pty Limited

ABN 20 007 622 317
PO Box 26 Surrey Downs SA 5126
Telephone (08) 8251 1166
Facsimile (08) 8251 4324
Email infoSA@australbricks.com.au

DEC 2009