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What Goes Behind Crafting Some of the World’s Most Challenging Curved Brickwork

Custom Clad, VIC and QLD–based cladding specialist, supplied and installed the complex curved brick façade at 17 Bennetts Lane.

Custom Clad

Rising 20 storeys above the narrow rhythm of Melbourne’s CBD, 17 Bennetts Lane demonstrates what is possible when technical façade engineering and vision align. At street level, this ambition is expressed through a highly intricate curved brick façade, where horizontal and vertical curves intersect to form a seamless, sculptural surface.

Curving brickwork in a single direction is already complex. At 17 Bennetts Lane, the challenge was amplified by the need to curve across both horizontal and vertical planes simultaneously. Every deviation, no matter how small, had the potential to compound across the façade. This combination of geometry and material behaviour is rarely attempted, not because it cannot be imagined, but because controlling it in practice demands an exceptional level of planning and expertise.

It was within these constraints that Custom Clad’s end-to-end cladding approach became critical. by bringing design, manufacture, supply and installation together as a single, coordinated process.

As part of this integrated scope, Custom Clad supplied a complete lightweight wall cavity system combining steel framing, non-combustible insulation, breathable sarking, and metal battens. The brick slip cladding extended across both the internal and external faces of the front entry, reinforcing the continuity of the curved form. Custom Clad also installed vertical feature cladding made from recycled Oregon timber salvaged from the demolition of the original structure on the site.

“This project began long before fabrication, with a fully modelled 3D steel framework developed by the team at Hacer Group”, said Michael Slowey, Director of Custom Clad. “The 3D model allowed our team to visualise every curve and detail of the building well in advance. Both the primary steel frame and the brick façade sub-frame were fabricated directly from this model, ensuring every line aligned with the intended architectural vision.”

From the 3D model, Custom Clad manufactured precise jigs for accurate setout on site for the specialised curved light gauge steel framing. These jigs ensured consistency across all curved sections, allowing the framing to form perfectly around the intricate window and wall shapes.

Every steel frame was manufactured in Custom Clad’s Hallam facility and delivered to site ready for installation, sorted and labelled for efficient assembly. Managing the logistics of delivery and coordination was crucial given the site tight access in the CBD.

Custom Clad’s ability to manufacture in-house and supply complete system helped reduce downtime on site and maintained consistent quality across every stage of the project. Working closely with Nubrik, Custom Clad ensured that the variations in natural clay pressed materials were managed carefully so that the finished façade achieved both structural and visual harmony.

During installation, multiple cladding installers worked simultaneously to erect the steel framing and lay the brick slips precisely according to detailed shop drawings.

Brickwork was installed progressively before mortar was applied, allowing the curvature to be refined and checked throughout the process. Particular care was taken to ensure brick and mortar colours aligned with adjacent façades and neighbouring buildings, reinforcing visual continuity at street level.

“It has been incredibly fulfilling to push the limits of cladding innovation again with Hacer Group, setting a new standard for what can be achieved with modern construction tools, exact setout and a collaborative approach”, said Slowey.
The finished result appears calm and effortless, a seamless curved brick façade that conceals months of planning, coordination and technical discipline.

At 17 Bennetts Lane, complexity has not been eliminated, but resolved, demonstrating how careful modelling, material understanding and craftsmanship can bring ambitious architectural forms to life with precision and elegance.

Custom Clad logo

For more information contact Custom Clad, phone 03 9791 2904, email info@customclad.com.au, website www.customclad.com.au

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Flexbrick® Brings Strength, Speed, and Sustainability to an Urban Landmark

The new Ringwood Carpark for Maroondah City Council showcases how architecture, sustainability, and efficient construction can come together in a single cohesive design.

LOHAS Australia

Supplied by Lohas Australia, the Flexbrick® Terracotta Mesh System wraps the 1,890m² façade in a warm gradient of tones, creating a monolithic and visually distinctive exterior.

Lightweight and durable, Flexbrick® allowed rapid installation using 197 prefabricated panels, typically achieving 10–15 panels or 150–200m² per day. Panels arrived pre-assembled on pallets,
lifted into place with a forklift and winch, and fixed directly to the subframe.

The carpark’s curved façades and shifting levels required a system capable of adapting to complex geometry. Flexbrick®’s flexible textile structure provided smooth transitions around corners and changes in elevation. “Flexbrick allowed us to softly curve around corners as the façade wraps the building,” IBC notes.

Lohas Australia delivered flexible, prefabricated Flexbrick® façades enabling rapid installation and seamless curvature across complex geometry.

Façade System: Flexbrick®
Installer: Tensile
Products Used: Flexbrick® – Terracotta Colours: Blanco, Tenere, Venecia, Salmon, Rojo
Project Size: 1,890m² façade coverage

Sustainability is embedded in every stage. Flexbrick®’s creamic tiles are manufactured using biogas as the main fuel source, preventing CO2 emissions. Lightweight, compact shipments reduce transport impact, and the dry-joined system allows full recyclability and straightforward replacement of individual tiles.

Lohas Australia supported the project with shop drawings, panel modulation, installer training, and early onsite supervision. Working with CO.OP Studio, Lohas also developed the five-colour gradient façade that blends from Blanco to Rojo, reflecting the site’s urban character.

With its speed, sustainability and sculptural presence, the Ringwood Carpark stands as a benchmark project demonstrating the architectural and environmental advantages of Flexbrick® in modern urban design.

For more information contact Lohas Australia, phone 02 7259 1054, email info@lohasau.com, website www.lohasau.com

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From Vision to Structure:The Art of Masonry at Norwest Quarter

Ozbrick Masonry showcased precision, innovation, and collaboration, delivering bespoke masonry that elevated Norwest Quarter’s architectural excellence.

Ozbrick Masonry

The Norwest Quarter development represents a new benchmark in sustainable, design-led living, and for Ozbrick Masonry, it was an opportunity to demonstrate how expert craftsmanship and innovative problem-solving can elevate complex architectural visions into enduring structures.

Combining technical precision with aesthetic sensitivity, Ozbrick delivered a comprehensive masonry package including bricklaying, stonework, and blockwork that were integral to both the structural framework and also enhanced the projects visual identity and long-term performance.

The project’s use of distinctive LOHAS bricks introduced an exciting technical challenge, as their unique shapes and dimensions required careful planning and precise workmanship. “Additionally, the incorporation of a railing slip brick system required precise integration with conventional brickwork, ensuring a seamless blend of styles and functionality,” said Louay Ahmed, Managing Director.

Among the most distinctive design features were the ‘drums’, a striking hit-and-miss brick element created with smoked LOHAS bricks.

“The integration of this feature required precise coordination with the structural steel that supported the brickwork,” Louay noted. “Thanks to the skill and expertise of the Ozbrick team, these challenges were successfully overcome, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing result.”

“Our team collaborated closely with architects and engineers throughout the design and construction phases,” Louay said.
“We employed high-quality materials and skilled tradespeople to achieve superior alignment and finishes. Regular quality checks and adherence to best practices ensured that both the structural integrity and the aesthetic vision were realised.”

The use of durable materials and expert craftsmanship contributes significantly to the long-term resilience and weatherproofing of the Norwest Quarter complex. “The success of the masonry work is a testament to the strong collaboration between all parties. The Norwest Quarter stands out as a benchmark for future developments in the region,” said Louay.

For more information contact Ozbrick Masonry, 3 Holbeche Road, Arndell Park, NSW 2148 Australia, phone 0425 807 705, email admin@ozbrick.com.au, website www.ozbrick.com.au

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Transforming Spaces into Experiences Through Expert Material Selection

Linkstone delivered precise fabrication and installation of stone, tile, and brickwork, creating durable, aesthetically refined LIV Albert spaces.

Linkstone

Delivering high-quality finishes on large developments requires both skill and design insight. On the LIV Albert project, Linkstone brought architectural intent to life through precise fabrication, material expertise, and careful installation across interior and exterior spaces.

The company fabricated, supplied, and installed an extensive range of natural stone, porcelain tiles, bluestone, concrete pavers, and brickwork which enhanced both durability and aesthetic appeal, showing how specialised craftsmanship can elevate modern residential projects.

Large format slip-resistant balcony pavers on Mirvacs build-to-rent LIV Albert, supplied and installed by Linkstone.
Aerial view of the exterior pavers at LIV Albert, supplied and installed by Linkstone.
Exterior pavers at Mirvac's build-to-rent LIV Albert, installed and supplied by Linkstone.
Balcony pavers at Mirvac's build-to-rent LIV Albert, installed and supplied by Linkstone.
Interior tiling at Mirvac's build-to-rent LIV Albert, installed and supplied by Linkstone.
Exterior brickwork in the landscaped communal areas at Mirvac's build-to-rent LIV Albert, installed and supplied by Linkstone.

Linkstone was entrusted with a scope that combined both technical precision and aesthetic excellence working throughout the project, delivering each element in alignment with the architectural design intent. “Our work spanned everything from feature wall tiling and balcony pavers to large-format bluestone paving and exterior brickwork. Each material was chosen for durability, longevity, and its ability to enhance the modern character of LIV Albert,” explained Steven Gomes, Managing Director at Linkstone.

The project showcased a curated material palette, including warm and cool scheme wall tiles in a matt finish, beige porcelain tiles in multiple formats, dark grey slip-resistant balcony pavers, robust concrete paving, and bluestone for outdoor spaces. “Every surface was selected to balance performance and aesthetics, ensuring residents enjoy spaces that are not only beautiful but resilient,” said Steven.

Working within a live construction site presented challenges, from tight delivery schedules to the handling of heavy stone and oversized tiles. Linkstone’s in-house fabrication facility proved invaluable, allowing the team to cut, finish, and prepare materials to exacting standards before installation. “We also used specialised lifting equipment and staged deliveries to keep the programme moving efficiently without compromising craftsmanship,” Steven explained.

The integration of natural stone, porcelain, and brick has created a seamless, timeless finish across both interior and exterior areas. “We’re most proud of the precision and quality achieved across the project. It reflects the dedication of our team and our ability to consistently deliver high-end outcomes for our clients,” said Steven.

For more information contact Linkstone, 42-44 Jessica Way, Truganina VIC 3029, phone 1300 546 578, email sales@linkstone.com.au, website www.linkstone.com.au

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