Three types of bricks were supplied by PGH Bricks & Pavers for the Mercy Health Aged Care Facility project in Shepparton, VIC.

Designed by PTA Architecture and built by Zauner Construction, the project used Basmati bricks (PGH Organic collection), Sand bricks (PGH Foundations collection) and Pewter bricks (PGH Alchemy collection) for the walls.

The new Shepparton 30-room extension was developed as a single storey addition to the existing 60-room aged care facility. The new building has been designed around an internal courtyard, providing residents with wandering paths and restful seating constructed of PGH bricks with double bullnose capping, emulating the natural terrain of Central Victoria.

The external masonry facades have been broken up to avoid monotony while the bedrooms feature external brick walling interspersed with vibrant colour infills, incorporating the windows and sub-sill. Patterns in the brickwork render a unique signature to each room.

PGH bricks were selected on the basis of colour, texture, thermal properties and their enduring history in residential country building. Sand bricks were selected to provide a smooth finish consistent with the existing built form. Basmati bricks were chosen for their tumbled appearance and light colour to bring in the earthy sun-soaked feel of the country. Both the smooth and rough bricks were blended together to create an aged look typical of traditional masonry.

Pewter bricks from the PGH Alchemy collection were selected for their strong metallic finish, with stack bond used to solidify their colour and form. They have also been used as a brick parapet over the living room, which exposes the transparent inner glazed skin below and simultaneously ensures a sense of security for the residents inside.