Standard grey masonry produces stunning results

By Firth

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Products used: Grey Masonry

Summary:

This stunning Hobson Bay home - a Master Builders House of the year supreme winner, designed by Malcolm Taylor from Xsite Architects - has been a hot topic around town with its mixed use of materials and stunning views. The home features external bagged block walls and large bagged internal structural walls - all constructed from Firth’s standard half height grey blocks, laid in a quirky, offset fashion.

“When I first met the clients it was clear they would be very hands on,” says Malcolm. “They wanted to be involved in all the decisions, which is how I believe you get the best result.”

Before deciding on what sort of cladding would be used on the house, we drove around the streets to see what materials caught their eye. “We were looking for honorable materials and the texture of the blocks fitted the bill. Add to this the horizontal weather boards and I think we achieved a dramatic, but solid, exterior. Personally I have a real interest in texture and colour, which is underplayed in new homes today, and I wanted to explore that with the bagged interior and exterior block work.”

Malcolm says that part of the brief from the clients was to include walls that would display their impressive art collection. “They said they didn't want the walls to overwhelm or compete with the art in any way, but they didn't want the walls to be sterile,” says Malcolm. “It was about choosing a finish that would do justice to the art.”

Firth’s standard half height 10 and 20 series blocks were chosen but they were to be laid in a random, offset pattern and bagged as a backdrop for the artwork.

“The clients were also very hands on with choosing the contractors to work on their home,” adds Malcolm. “It wasn’t just about price. They chose all the sub contractors, shook them all by the hand, and every single one of them gave 110% on this project.”

That applied to Phil Leach from PSL Construction, the Builder chosen by the client to build their new, dream home. Phil and the Smiths also chose Ben Carmody from West Auckland Brick and Blocklaying to lay all the blocks for the house.

Once it was decided to use a bagged finish for the blocks, in an uneven offset pattern, Malcolm asked Phil and Ben to produce three sample walls so they could be sure the walls had a consistent look with the right amount of unevenness.

“When it comes to feature walls like this you need to trust the tradesman’s eye and we had complete faith in Ben who did an amazing job on all the walls,” says Phil. “We spent a considerable amount of time setting up the corners with jigs as it needed to be very specific to ensure everything was plumb. We got a very nice result and the customer is extremely happy with the results .”

“The uneven laying is completely random,” explains Ben. “In saying that, everyone has their own style of laying so another blocklayer, using the same 10mm variation, may produce quite a different looking wall.”

“For the internal walls we used Firth’s half high grey block in 20 series - 390(L) x 190(W) and 90(H). To allow for the steel in these structural walls we used Firth’s H20.04’s half high bond beam, which is rebated for the horizontal steel placement. To make sure we provided adequate cover to the reinforcing we turned the next rebated course upside down to allow plenty of room for the steel and grout. For the half highs we did this every six courses or 600mm, in accordance with project specifications.”

“For the exterior veneer bagged wall a 10 series standard half high masonry 390(L) x 90(W) x 90(H), Firth’s H10.01, was used. I did get into a rhythm and we had produced a test wall beforehand, so it all went pretty well. Obviously, it is harder to produce walls like this than a standard flush wall, but it was worth it. Since I completed these walls this style has become really popular. It is amazing what can be achieved with some planning and thought by using a pretty standard grey block.”

Project Details:

  • Architect: Xsite Architects - Malcolm Taylor
  • Builder: PLC Construction - Phil Leach 
  • Blocklayer: West Auckland Brick and Blocklaying – Ben Carmody
  • Location: Hobson Bay
  • Product: Grey Masonry (Half High)
  • Images: Xsite Architects
Standard grey masonry produces stunning results
Standard grey masonry produces stunning results
Standard grey masonry produces stunning results
Standard grey masonry produces stunning results

Professionals used in
Standard grey masonry produces stunning results

About the
Professional

Firth is one of New Zealand's best known and most trusted trade names in concrete. They have been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century. 

90 year proud history

The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth's capability extends through the construction industry, roading & infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds.

Industry leading

All of our products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Our engineers ensure Firth customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Our concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what we make, makes the grade. Always.

Our national, dependable brands include: Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.

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From day one innovation has been at our core, but not at the expense of long lasting durability. In 1925, the 'original' Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier.

Today's wider Firth family still carries that same can-do spirit into today's market challenges. Our designers work alongside our engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigors of time.

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Like the people who manufacture them, our concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. We employ 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country.

Firth's strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.