New research shows that by building a new home in full brick, homeowners can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and live in natural comfort through summer and winter with less reliance on artificial heating and cooling. According to Brett Ward, Austral Bricks NSW marketing & regional manager, a full brick home is the gold standard in housing for future sustainable living. “We have identified eight, clearly defined advantages of living in a full brick home. Two of the most important are that the full brick home will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter when the home is built in conjunction with proven passive design principles.

“This means air conditioner and heater use will be reduced or even eliminated in times of climate extremes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximising interior comfort,” said Brett Ward.

Brett Ward says ongoing quantitative research by the University of Newcastle has established that thermal mass provided by bricks is a critical component in energy efficient house design.

“The research shows that homes constructed in full brick are able to even out Australia’s temperature fluctuations better than other materials. Brickwork’s high thermal mass ‘irons out’ the temperature variations naturally, to a range more consistent with the ideal family comfort zone,” Brett Ward added.

The researchers were also able to conclusively show that an insulated cavity brick wall (full brick) is more effective than a similarly insulated lightweight wall at smoothing out temperatures, even on the hottest days.

The inner layer of brickwork of a full brick home comes into its own in winter, absorbing, storing and slowly releasing heat that is now generated inside the home.

In a full brick home, constructed using passive design principles, the internal brickwork mass can also absorb the warmth of the low winter sun as it enters through large north facing windows. As the temperature falls at the end of the day the brickwork slowly releases the stored heat into the home.

“So, a well designed full brick home will be cooler in summer and warm in winter. Homeowners will also find it quiet, safe and secure requiring little maintenance.

“A full brick home is termite resistant and will last a lifetime. That makes it a good investment with a superior resale value. These are the eight advantages of living in a full brick home so why settle for less?” said Brett Ward.

The following builders specialise in building in full brick: Charleston Homes, Full Brick Homes, Fairlight Developments, Krslovic Homes, Kauley Homes, Beyond Homes, Westminster Homes, Rawson Homes and Felton Homes.

A manual detailing the eight advantages of full brick is available from Austral Bricks display centres. Homebuyers can also visit the full brick website www.fullbrick.com.au or phone 1800 670 235 for more information on full brick.

When it comes to building your new home it should be full brick – nothing less!

Austral Bricks display centres are located at Horsley Park, Bowral, Albion Park, Punchbowl, Fyshwick ACT, Newcastle and Tuggerah. The full range is also available from Austral Bricks agents’ displays throughout NSW.