Recycled Materials

Recycled Materials

Even before we were looking at doing this project together, we both agreed on the visual appeal of recycled red brick. Red brick is a very popular material in Bendigo where we live. We see the appeal of using recycled bricks as three-fold. Firstly, as already stated, they look good (maybe not everyone's cup of tea but we like them) and have a lot more character and warmth to them than new ones. Time adds character, so using recycled materials can instantly add character. We were lucky enough to meet on a lovely woman who invited us to look through her home she had recently built out of recycled red bricks (photo below) when we were out the front admiring her house (friendly or what!). She is also going to plant out the nature strip with fruit trees which is something we are into.

A new-build which had used recycled red brick.

Secondly, they are cheaper. From what we gather they are about $0.55 per brick as opposed to about $1.30 for new. However, after talking to our new friend it appears that brickies often charge more to lay recycled bricks as opposed to new, so overall cost may work out the same. Why that is the case I am not sure; if someone could elucidate we would appreciate it.


Thirdly, using recycled has environmental benefits. We are definitely not going the whole hog on this project in terms of a 'cradle-to-grave' construction materials assessment, however we think understanding the concept is important and something we will be looking more into in the future. Here is a good, brief run down on the concept (its about landscaping materials, but you'll get the idea)-

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep402

In a nutshell it is thinking about the materials we use in terms of "where did this come from? how is it being used here? what will/could it be used for after its done being my house?" and the environmental impact each of the material through the stages of its life.

A faux heritage new-build using new red brick. The style of the house is mimicking the old miners cottages and the use of new red brick gives a very bland appearance and adds the extra bit of 'that's just not right' when you look at it.

Some have even gone beyond that as they see the downfalls of 'downcycling', which is recycling a product into a lower grade product which may not then be recyclable. The idea of 'cradle-to-cradle', suggests we use materials which NEVER BECOME WASTE!

If you like to read-
http://www.mcdonough.com/writings/c2c_design.htm

If you like to watch-

........ but I still think recycled materials are cool.