Crafted from local clays, PGH Bricks has been a significant partner throughout the 20-season history of The Block. Sometimes used as the main exterior cladding, other times they have been a showstopping exterior element, in the form of paving, fireplaces, firepits, and front fences.
This year in Phillip Island as the teams created five spectacular new holiday homes and a revitalised communal clubhouse, PGH Bricks again provided some showstopping elements along the way.
Reflecting current trends, PGH Bricks were chosen by House 1 contestants Maddy and Charlotte to create a rustic-look pizza oven as part of their backyard design. They selected the East Hampton bricks from PGH’s Manhattan collection, which have a warehouse-style look and feel.
When it came to the communal clubhouse areas, we thought the standout was the amazing outdoor fireplace in the alfresco space created by Ricky and Haydn using the Tribeca bricks from the Manhattan collection. These recycled-look bricks add just the right amount of texture and authenticity to the outdoor space they created. Host Scott Cam called it a “PGH grand masterpiece”.
The Manhattan range that features these two bricks has been particularly popular since its launch. Inspired by the industrial-chic movement, this bespoke, locally made range of bricks is perfect for feature elements such as fireplaces or firepits. With a recycled look and feel, The Manhattan range can help you achieve a warehouse-style home, even in a new build.
The power of street appeal
It’s important to also realise that bricks are not only good for aesthetic reasons – they can command a premium when it comes to resale. Victoria, where The Block is set, is well-known for its quality brick homes and many buyers seek out brick facades, knowing that they are a long-lasting building material that is low in maintenance with high insulation and acoustic properties.
The Phillip Island location of the 2024 season is famous for its extreme weather, including strong winds and salt air – both of which can be tolerated by brick cladding. Real estate and property expert on The Block, Alice Stolz of Domain says that strong street appeal is always important for anyone looking to enhance the value of their new home.
“Even though we probably try to tell ourselves that you don't judge a book by its cover, people do, and I just think that first initial view is vital,” says Alice, the National Property Editor.
“Most of what you see is the facade. If it doesn't correlate with what you want in your mind or it doesn't correlate with what you believe to be behind that front door, you could very easily turn on your heel.
“So, while I don't think people have to spend multi-million dollar amounts to make their facade enticing and beautiful, I do think it requires an appropriate representation of what is behind that front door.
“I am a great advocate of materials like brick. It's a beautiful natural material. We also know the appeal for many buyers about brick – and that people pay a premium for that.
“I just think when you've got people looking at lots of different listings and properties, the stability of brick is a huge asset. We know that sustainability is becoming a much more important thing for people and a lot of this goes back to really good old-fashioned materials – natural materials – like double brick.
“Brick façades are definitely a big ticket for some people and something that people will pay premiums for if the other elements of the house are right.”
Get the look
Want to create your own TV-worthy home? Head to our coverage of The Block 2024 for tips, tricks and inside information on design trends, building and all you need to know about the materials used in this year’s renovations on The Block.
View more
