Comments
Sponsored Content
Light Pours Into a Reimagined Breeze Block Home on the Gold Coast
A tranquil sun-drenched home challenges the traditional possibilities of brick by celebrating its beauty and longevity
Sponsored Content
Nestled in one of the Gold Coast’s earliest canal estate developments near Broadbeach, Naranga Avenue House is surrounded by modernist breezeblock properties constructed in the 1950s. Although the architect, James Russell, has intentionally made a nod towards these mid-century neighbouring buildings, his family’s home is definitely not a typical breezeblock house. Consisting of a series of unexpected internal courtyard spaces, the entire house is veiled within ‘screens’ of extruded clay brick from Austral Bricks, which have been placed on edge to reveal their rough, usually hidden, core. These holes create the pattern that is the centrepiece of the house’s design, casting a stunning dappled light onto the interior spaces while providing essential privacy at the same time.
Houzz at a Glance:
Owners: Architect James Russell, his wife and their two young children
Location: Florida Gardens, Gold Coast
Size: 180 square metres with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate living spaces and a garage.
Architect: James Russell Architecture
Bricks: Miro brick from Austral Brick’s La Paloma range, available through Brickworks
With a clear appreciation of the local architecture and its construction materials, James and his wife were keen to make use of similar materials in their project. However, quite early on in the project, it became apparent that using standard breeze block was not going to be cost-effective. Not only is it an extremely sought-after product, it’s also susceptible to salt in coastal climates and, left unpainted, the brick deteriorates rapidly. “Breeze block struggles with the salty coastal conditions and requires painting to protect it – this is not just initially but part of ongoing maintenance,” says Russell. “We decided to go with the more affordable and durable option of an extruded brick. Not only is it beautiful, it also copes with coastal conditions without the need for painting.”
Owners: Architect James Russell, his wife and their two young children
Location: Florida Gardens, Gold Coast
Size: 180 square metres with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate living spaces and a garage.
Architect: James Russell Architecture
Bricks: Miro brick from Austral Brick’s La Paloma range, available through Brickworks
With a clear appreciation of the local architecture and its construction materials, James and his wife were keen to make use of similar materials in their project. However, quite early on in the project, it became apparent that using standard breeze block was not going to be cost-effective. Not only is it an extremely sought-after product, it’s also susceptible to salt in coastal climates and, left unpainted, the brick deteriorates rapidly. “Breeze block struggles with the salty coastal conditions and requires painting to protect it – this is not just initially but part of ongoing maintenance,” says Russell. “We decided to go with the more affordable and durable option of an extruded brick. Not only is it beautiful, it also copes with coastal conditions without the need for painting.”
Continuing to be inspired by the opportunities of a breeze block, Russell focused on how a screen of bricks could offer security, privacy and help climate control. “We decided to use the extruded clay bricks on edge, which means the holes were on show. The bricks are a large dimension (40 x 110 x 290 millimetres), which is perfect for making a screen,” he says. Then they exaggerated the pattern by including a 10 millimetre gap between each brick; achieved by gluing each on edge brick to aluminium angles fixed to the timber studs.
The holes of the rough brick help to disperse the harsh sunlight while also allowing a cool breeze to flow through – and rain turns to mist. “Daily rituals can happen in privacy but with views of our surrounds, and it’s secure,” says Russell.
With all types of brickwork, it’s important to select a style of brick that’s the right character for the type of building you want to achieve. This will also determine the material of brick you choose. Russell opted for clay as it was an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable option for his modern construction. Then there’s also the bonds to consider, or pattern in which they are laid, as there are traditional and modern formations depending on the look you are after.
With all types of brickwork, it’s important to select a style of brick that’s the right character for the type of building you want to achieve. This will also determine the material of brick you choose. Russell opted for clay as it was an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable option for his modern construction. Then there’s also the bonds to consider, or pattern in which they are laid, as there are traditional and modern formations depending on the look you are after.
Clean, crisp minimal interiors dotted with polished concrete and warm timber allow the bricks to take centre stage, while an internal garden featuring a crepe myrtle offers a surprising moment in the entrance way.
Internal courtyards are becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes as they offer the perfect opportunity to connect with the outdoors while being protected from the elements. Consider teaming contrasting floor finishes, such as floor tiles with loose stones as Russell has done, to highlight the separate zones and ease drainage in the outdoor space.
Internal courtyards are becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes as they offer the perfect opportunity to connect with the outdoors while being protected from the elements. Consider teaming contrasting floor finishes, such as floor tiles with loose stones as Russell has done, to highlight the separate zones and ease drainage in the outdoor space.
At the rear of Naranga Avenue, the mesmerising brickwork creates a barely-there veil that disguises the internal spaces, while a striking pool is framed with beautiful crisp white brick. “We wanted to subtly hint at 1950s Gold Coast nostalgia,” says Russell, which is all too true of the bright blue pool that offers a moment of glam in the tranquil setting.
More: For more information visit Brickworks and Austral Bricks.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
More: For more information visit Brickworks and Austral Bricks.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
More Stories from This Brand
Why Stone is a Rock Solid Choice for Your Pool Area
Create a poolside area that maintains its performance and good looks for longer
Full Story
Interior Brick Feature Walls Stack Up
Open your door to bricks and transform your internal walls into beautiful tactile surfaces
Full Story
5 Ways to Get the Industrial Look
Fall for the edginess of cool industrial style and celebrate the beauty of raw materials and textures
Full Story
Get Your Outdoor Space Summer-Ready
Revamp your outdoor living area in time for barbecue season with this all-you-need-to-know landscaping guide
Full Story
21 Ways to Maximise Your Outdoor Space
From adding lighting and flowers to choosing the best materials, here’s how to get the most from your garden
Full Story
Outdoor Project: Pave Your Way to a New Backyard
Revamp your exterior and give your home the facelift it deserves
Full Story
4 Solid Reasons to Design With Brick
For an easy-maintenance, versatile and energy-efficient surface, you can't go wrong with bricks
Full Story
5 New Coastal-Style Palettes With Contemporary Concrete Masonry
Keen to channel coastal style at home? Take inspiration from five fresh palettes that use new-look concrete blocks
Full Story
Exposed! Bricks Make Their Way Into the Kitchen
Trending in home interiors, brickwork will elevate your kitchen design with its warmth, texture and pattern
Full Story
Concrete Blocks Give Homes an Edge
Durable, dramatic and sophisticated – here we make the case for exposed blocks inside and out
Full Story
Are Solar Panels Right For You?
Not sure whether to install solar tiles on your roof? Check out this guide to help you decide
Full Story