Think Brick

Have only listened to the simon pendal and jesse bennett episodes so far both were great! look forward to the rest. Inspirational and insightful.

Energy efficient design remains a topical subject and this episode has provided a great overview and insights into this contemporary topic. In what normally is a technically complex area, the host and the expert guest have managed to present the issue in a manner that is a joy to listen to while being informed at the same time. The listener quickly comes to appreciate why bricks which have been such a popular building material for thousands of years, continue to remain the predominant building material despite the rise of competitive products. The wonderful built projects made possible by bricks are showcased annually at the national Think Brick Awards - the richest architectural awards hosted in Australia. Coming back to energy efficiency we learn that because bricks have such a high thermal mass during summer they are able to absorb and store heat and release it gradually. During winter they harness the energy of the sun by storing the energy and heat within the bricks and release that heat gradually over time. Bricks are thus an excellent product for all seasons. They also have another great attribute that positively contributes to our goal of managing carbon emissions, and that attribute is associated with bricks having a low embodied carbon compared to other building products such as steel. Once again Think Brick Australia needs to be congratulated for launching this informative and enjoyable technical series that succeeds in covering and discussing complex technical subjects in simple, yet, informative and enjoyable terms.

As a designer myself, I love hearing the stories of established architects – their inspirations, their life and background, and how they got to where they are. It’s incredibly insightful to hear all the different influences that have shaped their careers, and the built forms they have been responsible for. There is such a rich diversity of the architects’ paths in life too, which makes each new episode a treat to listen to. The technical talks are also wonderful and provide insight into technical knowledge in a very accessible way. They break down complex topics into quick and easy listens – what more could you want? Thanks to the Think Brick Podcast, I am a better designer, a more informed person and I feel more inspired in my work every day. Cheers Think Brick team for the work you do 🤙

Hey I just listened to the interview on stackbonding and I thought it was really interesting! I love seeing bricks being used in design and I love that this podcast addressed how it’s not just the brick itself but the way it’s stacked that can affect the design!