Glass Bricks

Why choose glass bricks?

Glass bricks—also called glass block bricks—offer a rare combination of privacy, daylight transmission and thermal performance. Advances in manufacturing have expanded the palette beyond clear squares: today you’ll find frosted, patterned, coloured and even fire-rated units, making them suitable for everything from heritage restorations to cutting-edge multi-res projects.

Key benefits at a glance

• Natural light without glare: Diffused daylight penetrates deep into a space while maintaining privacy.
• Acoustic control: The hollow core dampens external noise better than many traditional windows.
• Thermal efficiency: Sealed air pockets reduce heat transfer, supporting Section J NCC compliance.
• Security: Toughened glass units resist impact and are difficult to breach.
• Design freedom: Choice of colours, textures and glass brick dimensions to suit creative layouts.

Sizing & layout tips

Common Australian glass brick sizes include 190 × 190 × 80 mm and 240 × 240 × 80 mm, but rectangular, diamond and corner blocks are also available. Modular sizing reduces the need for cutting—and potential edge chipping—during installation.

When planning a glass brick wall or window:

• Check span limits: Non-loadbearing walls typically need vertical reinforcement every 1.2 m.
• Allow for clearances: Expansion joints around the perimeter accommodate thermal movement.
• Frame options: Aluminium channel, PVC spacers or traditional mortar beds. Fire-rated walls usually specify steel frames.

Performance & compliance

Projects in bushfire or multi-residential zones may call for fire-rated glass bricks. These blocks are filled with refractory material that delays heat transfer for 30/60/90 minutes. Always verify the supplier’s test report aligns with the relevant clause of the National Construction Code.

Cost guide

Prices start around $8 per block for standard clear units and can exceed $40 for large coloured or fire-rated bricks. Factor in:

• Accessories: Spacers, reinforcement rods, silicone or grout.
• Labour: Installation is more specialised than conventional bricklaying; allow 1.5–2 times the labour cost of traditional masonry.
• Freight: Glass bricks are heavy and must be palletised—ordering locally reduces breakage and delivery fees.

Installation workflow

1. Prepare substrate—level and moisture-free.
2. Set perimeter channels or starter courses.
3. Lay blocks with spacers, checking alignment every course.
4. Insert reinforcement rods as specified.
5. Grout, clean and seal expansion joints.

Related cladding options

If you’re still exploring façade materials, compare glass bricks with other solutions in our Cladding & Facades hub or dive into these alternatives:

• Timber Cladding for a warm, natural aesthetic.
• Metal Cladding delivering crisp lines and durability.
• Masonry and Stone when solidity and texture are paramount.
• Fibre Cement Cladding for cost-effective fire resistance.
• Pre-cladding systems speeding up onsite programmes.
• Render Plaster Systems achieving seamless monolithic finishes.
• Concrete Cladding for industrial chic.
• Flashing Penetrations to ensure watertight detailing.
• uPVC Cladding for low-maintenance builds.
• Eaves and Soffits completing the roofline.
• Glazed Facade Systems for full height transparency.
• Composite Cladding merging durability and colour stability.
• Facade Screens adding depth and shading.
• Exterior Decorative Mouldings for heritage detailing.
• Green Facades introducing living vegetation.
• Weatherboard Cladding suiting coastal and cottage styles.
• Timber Shingles for artisanal charm.

Next steps

Ready to specify? Use the filters above to compare coloured glass bricks, confirm glass brick dimensions or request pricing straight from Australia’s best suppliers. With ArchiPro you get product data, technical downloads and direct contact—all in one streamlined platform.