Bricks on The Block

THERE’S ALWAYS DRAMA AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK ON THE BLOCK, BUT THIS YEAR THE STAR HAS BEEN THE BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS FROM PGH BRICKS & PAVERS USED IN THE SPECTACULAR RENOVATIONS TO GREAT EFFECT.

Every year, it seems, The Block gets bigger and more demanding in the challenges for the contestants – but more exciting and rewarding at the same time.

There is something wonderful about a big renovation reveal – especially when it involves inspirational new living spaces. There’s no doubt that we all love the “afters”!

For the 15th season of the show, a new group of contestants has taken on the renovation of the unloved and slightly dilapidated Oslo Hotel in Melbourne’s St Kilda, allowing the grand old building (and former backpacker accommodation) to shine, revealing its original neo-Georgian charm and character features.

To be known as The Oslo, the five teams have used their previous renovation experience and assorted trade skills to meet the brief of creating design-savvy and saleable apartments in the project, to match the surrounding eclectic and so-hot-right-now St Kilda neighbourhood.

The use of PGH Bricks on the exterior as well as feature elements in the interiors has gone a long way to restoring character and charm to each of the apartments in the redeveloped complex.

The choice of bricks as part of the building’s overhaul was first revealed when the contestants unveiled their newly renovated living spaces to the judges and dedicated Block fans at home.

For Living Room Reveal week, spectacular feature fireplaces, open-plan living and dining areas all played a part in creating rooms designed to appeal to potential buyers.

The star of all the living room reveals was undoubtedly the statement fireplace created by El’ise and Matt using PGH’s Palisades Ancient Villa Ledgestone. The couple created a warm and inviting space in their apartment, using a large rug and timber dining table – all anchored by the show-stopping Cultured Stone chimney.

“We wanted to provide a connection between the old and the new,” explained Matt. “I hope that we can show that we’ve done that.”

Judge Neale Whitaker says that their design and the fireplace put the couple back into contention because of the warmth and “liveability” showcased by the room’s aesthetic.

“It’s feeling like home,” Whitaker said. “I am picking up on a retro vibe, which I actually quite like.”

statement fireplace created by El’ise and Matt using PGH’s Palisades Ancient Villa Ledgestone.

Stylish granddads, Mitch and Mark, continued with their Palm Springs aesthetic (already established in the upper level), with a modern and minimalist treatment of the informal living and dining space.

The highlight was the central fireplace built from PGH Bricks’ Morado Blanco Linear bricks, an elegant and streamlined brick that reflected the mid-century vibe. A clever touch was the bond pattern, as the Stacked line complemented the symmetry of the room’s layout and contributed to the contemporary look and feel of the room.

“Modern minimalist,” said the judges, with all of them giving the thumbs up to the chimney being the focus of the room.

Mitch and Mark's central fireplace built from PGH Bricks’ Morado Blanco Linear bricks

In the apartment designed by Tess and Luke, the striking fireplace made of Morado Nero Standard bricks was called an “amazing architectural inclusion” by judge and interior designer Darren Palmer.

The rich and dramatic design helped to frame the television and media unit, and complemented the dark furniture chosen for the dining space and kitchen on the other side of the open-plan area.

The choice of a charcoal mortar allowed the texture of the bricks to be the focus and keep with the dark and moody atmosphere – very Melbourne.

However, this is only the beginning of the reveals that feature products from PGH Bricks. Carefully planned and executed outdoor spaces also show the versatility of bricks – continuing the interiors story and architecture.

Watch this space.