Bricks have been used to clad buildings for centuries and continue to be one of the most popular cladding options in New Zealand. This is not surprising given the vast number of benefits clay bricks offer, including being virtually maintenance free, affordable, and ensuring weathertightness. However, one of the most understated benefits of bricks is their acoustic insulation properties which reduce outside noise from entering homes. 

The heavy mass of clay bricks is ideal for acoustic insulation – particularly for low frequency noise – and cavity masonry walls have the added benefit of isolating impact sounds. Bricks possess an inherent resistance to the passage of airborne sound, making them a superior performer in attenuating low-frequency, airborne noise caused by building mechanical systems, elevators, amplified music, traffic and aircraft.

In addition to their benefits and acoustic performance, bricks also possess design flexibility with many new colours to match current trends. The recently developed Distinction Series is a testament to this, because for the first time in New Zealand pure white and black bricks are available as colour through products. These, combined with the new grey products provide a unique aesthetic previously unattainable with clay bricks.