Ep #56 Cathy Inglis on the Future of Brick, Blocks & Masonry in Australian Construction

Episode Description

Cathy Inglis, industry expert in masonry and brickwork, joins Brian Guinan and Simon Clark from SBA to explore the future of brick, block, and masonry in Australian construction. She discusses innovative construction materials, bespoke and architectural brick options, labor challenges, robotics in bricklaying, and strategies to support apprentices and small bricklaying businesses. Cathy also shares her views on the volatility of brick pricing, the complexity of the NCC, and practical solutions to make construction more efficient and sustainable.

Episode Covers

• Innovative brick and block systems for speed and design flexibility
• Bespoke and architectural bricks, breeze blocks, and custom manufacturing
• Labor challenges and support for small bricklaying businesses and apprentices
• Robotics and automation in brick and block laying for commercial builds
• Managing bricklaying costs and industry price volatility
• National Construction Code simplification and practical interpretation
• Sustainability and resilience in masonry applications
• Personal insights: preferred materials, design approaches, and cultural influences

Episode Highlights

• Alternative brick systems allow interior work while exteriors progress, reducing project timelines
• Double-story inset projects explore structural efficiencies using advanced materials
• Bespoke bricks and breeze blocks enable unique architectural features while meeting structural and safety standards
• Most bricks in Australia are extruded; dry press manufacturing is limited
• Brickies Network and ABBTF provide training, education, and support for apprentices and small business operators
• Robotics like the FBR Fast Brick Robot show potential for repetitive commercial builds but still require human input
• Brick pricing reflects labor supply and demand; larger companies stabilize costs by employing bricklayers directly
• NCC simplification would reduce misinterpretation, with clearer performance requirements preferred
• Cathy shares personal insights: traditional brick, passive solar design, Wallabies supporter, and classic rock music fan

Perfect For

• Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultants
• Masonry contractors and bricklayers
• Architects and designers exploring innovative brick and block solutions
• Urban planners and residential construction professionals
• Anyone interested in construction efficiency, sustainable materials, and industry trends