Our story from the ground up NOTHING SAYS "WEST AUSTRALIAN" LIKE DOUBLE BRICK WALLS COVER: Aerial photograph of North Beach, Waterman and Wherever you West Coast Highway January 1966. Photo courtesy of Aerial Surveys . live in WA you probably grew The New boys 4 up in Midland

Wherever you are in WA, chances are you were born, raised, lived, educated or worked in Midland — in buildings with Midland bricks that is. A 70-year love affair with bricks 5

Since 1946, Midland Brick has been making and supplying bricks and pavers for the many thousands of homes, schools, hospitals and commercial buildings that, at some stage, most of us would have come into contact with. Builder profile 12 We are immensely proud of our heritage and contribution to this wonderful State and never take for granted the trust that Western Australia’s builders have placed in us and our products.

Seventy years on from our modest beginnings we have grown into one of the world’s largest Bricks in new design 14 brickworks, employing the skills and talent of hundreds of West Australians in making the best bricks in the world. And to ensure we maintain these high standards, we invest heavily in new plant and equipment, over one hundred million dollars in the last decade. Design matters 16 To celebrate our 70th year, we have produced this commemorative liftout that will take you through our journey over that time.

I hope it will entertain and remind many of us of how the West has grown. An architect’s love of bricks 18

Greg Smith General Manager

Outdoor ideas and tips 25

Clay and the community 30 The New boys The brothers who built Ric New

With a father as a builder, brothers Ric and Ric was joined through the recently established Clay Brick Gerry New’s early exposure to the industry soon after by his Manufacturers Association. undoubtedly laid the foundations for the birth brother Gerry As managing director, Ric led the successful of Midland Brick. (pictured left), who “Knock Knock” advertising campaign to had returned from Identifying a critical shortage of building promote the benefits of building double-clay war service, and in supplies, especially bricks, following World brick homes, a building technique renowned 1947, they built the War II, Ric would fire small clay balls in his for its quality and durability and still used first square updraft rented Mt Lawley home’s oven to determine predominantly in WA today. which deposits would make the best bricks. kiln using second- hand bricks. Over the years, the company grew bigger Sensing an opportunity, Ric, who was a and bigger and by 1989, it was arguably the carpenter, builder and charcoal burner by To address the critical shortage of heavy world’s biggest brickyard on the one site, trade, borrowed £200 from his mother in machinery following the war, the New producing nearly a million bricks a day, with 1946, with which he set up a brickyard brothers adapted surplus war materials sales in excess of $100 million annually. on 2.5ha in Middle Swan — a spot which to build the plant, even modifying three Following Ric’s death in 1989, Gerry decided he had identified as having the best clay Bren gun carriers to become WA’s first to sell the business, with Midland Brick deposits in the area. commercial forklifts. becoming a division of in late 1990. This This signaled the birth of Midland Brick, In 1949, more kilns were constructed but successful partnership has resulted in the which today, 70 years on, is still Western bricklayers were in short supply so Ric growth and innovation seen over the past 26 Australia’s foremost brick manufacturer. established WA’s first bricklaying school years.

4 A 70-YEAR LOVE AFFAIR WITH BRICKS

From Federation and Art Deco homes to project homes and industrial-look lofts, home design has come a long way in the 70 years since Midland Brick started production. Over that time, design trends have come and gone but the one constant is the presence of bricks, used in a myriad of ways both indoors and out to reflect the trend characterising the era. Here’s an era-by-era breakdown of design trends over the past seven decades.

READ ON

Curtin University 5 THE WAR IS OVER

Following World War II, a shortage of building materials and labour led to more austere or simpler homes, compared to the stylish Federation and Art-Deco homes built in pre-war Perth. This was the era of brick-and-fibro cottages and later, triple-fronted 1950s homes. In Perth, builders had a choice of face bricks with a smooth finish. In 1952 Midland Brick introduced Blue Tapestry, the first face brick with a coloured hue and prominent vertical stripes. This venture into colour and patterned textures reflected the time of optimism and growth.

BRICKS THROUGH THE YEARS

1946 1952 1963 1969 1970 1972 1976 The very first brick is Blue Tapestry The Cream Palomino Moroccan Leather Antique Silver is one Midland Brick The Fastwall internal fired at Middle Swan becomes a firm is introduced along Barkface was an of the first bricks to introduces the first brick system – a basic Red. favourite with Perth with core holes. early clay blend in develop into a paver. purpose made paver is developed home builders. the 70s. (Perth Concert Hall). revolutionising the Twilight (bottom) building industry. becomes a favourite for unit developments.

6 Mid-century Modernism Mid-century modern was a global design movement that spanned the 50s, 60s and 70s. The style embodied clean lines, simple materials, large open rooms and flat rooftops.

Home design was unpretentious and functional, environmentally friendly with cross- ventilation and featured a real connection with the outside through large, usually north- facing, decks and patios. 1960s This era also saw the growth of the project home which was characterised by freestanding double-brick dwellings appearing The 1960s saw real growth in Perth with But there were still limited materials. As across Perth from Wembley Downs to the first mineral boom. This led to the a result, the designs created during this Karrinyup and beyond. intake of new migrants from the United era were beautiful in their simplicity. We Kingdom and Europe, and with them saw the introduction of open-plan living came a host of new architects. Among and real functionality and for the first time them was Ivan Ivanoff, a young Bulgarian since WWII, furniture and interior design who designed landmark homes in the became an important part of setting up new and growing suburb of Floreat. a home.

BRICKS THROUGH THE YEARS

1983 1987 1990 1993 2010 2014 2016 The unique Limestone Hue The Maxi Brick is Florentine Masterpave. The first to be The Pearl Range Recently released – Handmade range becomes one launched to give Limestone is the produced at Midland’s new develops as a the slim-line Contempo (top) is launched of the all-time builders more first Double Height masonry plant. favourite. A clean Range. together with the best sellers. strength and face brick and monochromatic look. ‘Grevillea’ (bottom) versatility. becomes WA’s to set the tone for number one. the 80s. 7 1970s Mixing it up The 70s were all about shag rugs, brave wallpaper design and bell bottoms. The project home boom was well underway across the northern suburbs, with designs starting to reflect mid-century modernism. We saw the introduction of simpler raked rooflines with high-vaulted ceilings exaggerated by sunken lounge rooms. The front of the home also showcased the introduction of rendered and bagged finishes to either complement or replace the face brick. Mixing and matching paint colours opened up a whole new world of design trends. Mission brown, beige hues and white were popular choices, both inside and out.

The 80s saw the extension of the Freeway, the opening of Murdoch University and the birth of s\ Gen-Y. Perth was starting to expand southward with 1980 s the development of suburbs like Willetton, Bullcreek 1980 and Bibra Lake. The Hyatt Hotel (then the Merlin) Face bricks was becoming a landmark on Adelaide Terrace. and Federation House styles started to take on the resurgence of the Federation period, which saw the use and choice of face bricks grow, with colours moving towards dark reds, greens and creams.

8 Home design focused on open-plan interiors and alfresco areas that connected the indoors with the outside, which proved to be a perfect fit for the West Australian lifestyle. Federation was still in vogue, but we saw a shift by the mid 90s to a Tuscan style that embraced cream Rise1990s of the Tuscan villa and limestone textures with vivid terracotta roof tiles. This period also saw the introduction of double height bricks to replicate the look of limestone blocks.

Double storey homes were starting to become more commonplace as block sizes become smaller and Perth suburbs started to grow upwards.

2000s Sustainability hits the spotlight

The new century saw the rise in popularity of sustainable building practices.

Architects pushed design boundaries using combinations of brick, block, stone and steel to create styles that were more architecturally exciting. There was also a definite shift towards rendered, painted exteriors in greys and charcoal that still remain popular.

Today’s focus is very much on the environmental performance and mandatory star ratings which has led many designers to rediscover the thermal benefits and creative qualities of clay brick.

9 2010 & beyond New thinking and wide open spaces

There has been no backing off bricks over the past few years with its inclusion in both internal and external design soaring. This has been largely due to the rise of the industrial look made famous by converted lofts and warehouses in New York. Key to this design trend are open spaces, exposed piping and lighting and a combination of raw materials including timber, steel, concrete and internal walls of exposed face brick or block. The result? Edgy living spaces with character and texture. In addition to a trend towards the raw and industrial, builders have also seen an increase in the desire for timeless styles like the Hamptons.

2016 Telethon Home featuring Contempo Madrid Ceniza

10 PART OF THE AWARD-WINNING .com.au

Behind great builders is Midland Brick.

BRN6583 RN 1013 F/P midland brick ad V2.qxp_Layout 1 22/09/2016 11:08 am Page 1 Ross North celebrates 40 years with four brilliant display homes.

The Beaufort

“After 40 years in the industry, the one thing I’ve never built is a home I wasn’t proud of.”

The Merivale The Jardine The Katherine The Katherine

The Beaufort The Merivale Bletchley Park Estate Chianti Estate Ruskin Way, Southern River Corvina Way, Woodvale The Jardine The Katherine Holland Park Private Estate Honeywood Estate Wildflower View, Piara Waters Tarong Way, Wandi Celebrating 40 years of building excellence

DISPLAY HOMES OPEN SAT & SUN: 1 - 5PM | MON & WED: 2 - 5PM rossnorthhomes.com.au | 9431 8150 lateralaspect.RN1013 Builders registration 6552 Ross North — The man behind the name

There is much more to Ross North you did in those days. Thankfully, conditions built a strong and lasting relationship with are more family-friendly now.” reliable and first-class service from their team. than simply being the man behind They are a great group of people who we Ross said building new homes and the successful home building value very much.” transforming the lives of his customers had brand bearing his name. always given him great satisfaction. It is clear that Ross is a well-respected For one, the former carpenter is just about as leader within the industry as well as his own He said one of the most satisfying parts to proud a Kiwi as you will find anywhere in WA. business, where he is known for going the being a builder was handing over the keys. extra mile to know each and every person He’s also a mad All Blacks fan as well as a “It’s fantastic and essentially what this is all that works in the company. passionate supporter of the West Coast Eagles. about,” Ross said. “I have really enjoyed the Outside of work, Ross likes to get away to Ross settled in Perth in 1967 and went smiles and happy faces. It’s been one of the Yallingup for some down time. to night school twice a week to obtain his most enjoyable experiences of my 40 years in builders’ registration ticket. It was from an old the business.” He also enjoys golf. A regular face at Royal house in North Perth that he started Ross Perth Golf Club, he prefers to walk the course North Homes in 1976. He worked long hours Ross North Homes has been a partner of rather than use a buggy. Ask about his golf in the early days to establish his business. Midland Brick for all of that time. handicap and you are met with silence and a “I sacrificed time with my family to go to night “Midland has always delivered a high quality smile. After a short pause he answers, “Me” school,” he said. “It was just something that and consistent product,” Ross said. “We have with a laugh.

“Midland has always delivered a high quality and consistent product. We have built a strong and lasting relationship with reliable and first-class service from their team.”

13 Bricks in new design

rom a unique pool backdrop Blake said he was a big fan of Lego — to striking feature walls, bricks something he credited with helping him to come make a dramatic statement in the up with different brick designs for his projects. F chic outdoor surrounds of this contemporary architecturally-designed home “Bricks as a unit offer infinite outcomes in in Perry Lakes. rhythm as repeated patterns that can vary over the length of a structure and can create Landscape architect Blake Willis said movement with shadows at a glance,” he said. Midland’s face bricks including Copper Pearl and Solid Common Standard were used for “They are also visually kinetic as sun angles feature walls and courtyard spaces to create change throughout the day. an urban, inner-city feel, while giving a nod to the 1960s — an era known for its abundance “There is a beauty in repetition of simple of face brickwork. form and bricks were the perfect material to achieve this outcome.” Designed by Daniel Cassettai and built by Austurban Homes, the home is the epitome You can find out more about Midland’s of a modern take on 1960s architecture with a products used in this home by visiting wonderful indoor-outdoor relationship. www.midlandbrick.com.au.

14 “There is a beauty in repetition of simple form and bricks were the perfect material to achieve this outcome”

About the designer Award-winning landscape architect Blake Willis effortlessly combines beauty with sustainability and function to all of his clients’ landscapes. With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, he endeavours to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces to make the most of Perth’s great weather and propensity for outdoor living. He also makes the most of the natural existing elements and combines an array of materials to create visual interest and texture to hardscaping elements.

Visit Blake Willis Landscape Architects at www.bwla.com.au

15 Photo: Acorn Photo Agency Acorn Photo Photo: by Fringe Architects by Fringe Architects architectural qualities. architectural their robustness, thermal properties and thermal properties their robustness, are the ideal building material because of are project both internally and externally. They both internally and externally. project Concrete Blocks are used extensively in this used Blocks are Concrete & Distinctive Homes concrete house Midland Brick works with Midland Brick and builders, architects produce designers to products unique new you. that may surprise

Design matters 16 blocks

FROM ROUGH SPLIT FACE TO HONED AND POLISHED, BLOCKS OFFER HUGE CREATIVE OPTIONS contempo TIP: VISIT MIDLAND BRICK’S RECENTLY RENOVATED DISPLAY CENTRES AT HOME BASE IN SUBIACO AND SLIM, ELONGATED BRICKS FROM THE CONTEMPO RANGE MIDDLE SWAN TO VIEW THE FEATURED BRICKS. OFFER NEW FLAIR IN WALLING DESIGN

coda

Some of Midland Brick’s most successful product innovations have come from collaborations with architects and designers.

Take its CODA brick for example, which was conceptualised by local architectural firm CODA in 2009 and is still in production today.

The project won CODA the national About Face Award, an invitation-only, researched- based design competition run as part of the Think Brick Awards.

CODA Principal Emma Williamson (pictured above) said she was a big fan of bricks because they were timeless, aged beautifully, were made out of a natural material and were a basic unit of pearl modular building.

MONOCHROMATIC AND SUBTLY TEXTURED, However, for the purpose of the competition, the CODA team wanted to create a brick which THE PEARL RANGE HAS BEEN VERY POPULAR had more texture and played with a depth of field, she said. SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2014

17 Ariane Prevost's love of bricks Raw, bold, earthy, textural and colourful – five words which equally sum up architect Ariane Prevost’s design philosophy as much as her personality.

“My work is earthy, small, enjoyable, modest and humble and it’s meant to have all of those feelings when it’s finished,” she said.

Ariane (pictured left) said a home’s design should start with its site as no two sites were the same. "...they are the perfect building material — textural, This helped to determine a home’s orientation while accounting for the site’s unique features low-maintenance, reusable, such as vistas, views or steepness. affordable, environmentally “Everything is site specific and automatically the plan and where you will put a house on a site friendly, sustainable and more becomes obvious to an architect — from there it beautiful as they age...” is the brief that the person gives you,” she said. “How do you build a house for anyone except that person? All houses should be different because everyone is different.”

Fast becoming part of Ariane’s signature style is her use of natural materials — or “blokey hard stuff”— such as concrete, bricks and raw timbers in her designs, which is particularly evident in her striking home in Claremont.

Called Pussy Galore because of its rooftop garden comprising pussy willow grasses, it represents everything she is passionate about, from repurposing materials and having a raw palette, to embracing natural light, celebrating imperfections and especially incorporating bricks.

It is the way bricks have been used both internally and externally that demonstrates her creativity, with bricks featured not only in the home’s basic

18 module but also on the floors, in the fireplace and in exposed internal and external masonry walls.

The home was featured on an episode of Grand Designs in late 2014 and has been showcased “Literally there’s nothing in countless home magazines in both Australia you can’t do with bricks and overseas. — I get a lot of pleasure Ariane said she could go and on about bricks because they were the perfect building in making something that material — textural, low-maintenance, reusable, is hard appear to be soft affordable, environmentally friendly, sustainable and more beautiful as they aged. and beautiful.”

They also offered colour variation, could be used in any form of building, especially sites with little- to-no access, and could be bent into different shapes like coves.

“Take Lego for example – what can’t you build out of Lego,” Ariane said.

“They are all the same shape and then people put them together differently so why can’t these principles be applied to bricks?

“Literally there’s nothing you can’t do with bricks — I get a lot of pleasure in making something that is hard appear to be soft and beautiful.”

Ariane’s next project even involves a brick ceiling.

“Bricks are not just for outside, they are for inside and I’m talking floors, walls and ceilings,” she said.

“They are a building product that has stood the test of time — their fashion is enduring, their popularity waxes and wanes but I believe in terms of their beauty, sustainability, practicality affordability and longevity, there is no other product that ticks all those boxes.”

19 thanMORE the humble brick

20 Cultured Stone ® by Boral

There is more to Midland Brick than bricks and pavers

Take its innovative and affordable Cultured Stone for ADDING SOME example, a manufactured stone cladding product CULTURE which cleverly mimics the look and qualities of natural stone but without the installation hassles and higher Create dramatic visual appeal by cladding a costs associated with it. fireplace, wine cellar or feature wall. Used to make a design statement both indoors and out, this high-end, lightweight cladding is currently Break up boring walls, hide imperfections or the go-to solution for architects, designers, builders jazz up a tired letterbox. and landscapers looking to create wow factor — everywhere from fireplaces, facades and feature walls, to water features, wine cellars and landscaping. Create garden interest by adding cladding to a water feature, planter box or retaining walls. Why is it loved so much? Aside from its good looks, versatility and affordability, Add texture to an alfresco kitchen, bathroom Cultured Stone, which is manufactured in California, or laundry with a Cultured Stone splashback. is far easier to install than the real thing, and is also tough enough to withstand WA’s harsh climate, making it the perfect solution for adding texture, colour and interest to any area. It can even be installed by DIYers — especially the DID YOU KNOW? Pro-Fit and Country Ledgestone ranges — with Cultured Stone has been installed in many Midland Brick offering installation video and guides to projects in Perth including the new Perth those who want to install the cladding themselves. Airport and The Breakwater at Hillarys Boat The product, which also comes with corner pieces Harbour. for a seamless look, requires virtually no maintenance and does not require painting, coating or sealing after Each unit of Cultured Stone is cast in installation. natural stone moulds and meticulously It also comes in a wide variety of colours, shapes and hand coloured to achieve the look and feel textures, making it the perfect complement to glass, of natural stone. timber and brick building materials.

Cultured Stone® is a registered trademark of Boral Stone Products LLC of the USA.

21 The Stannards and the long ride to success

Peter Stannard may be “I’ve been on building sites with Dad since I When asked if supplier relationships were approaching 80 but that has not was three years old,” Glenn said. “I’ve grown important, Peter replied, “Absolutely, I rate it a up in this industry. I remember going to the 10 out of 10.” slowed down the building industry Midland Brick factory in Middle Swan as a kid stalwart from doing what he loves Glenn agreed. “As builders, we bring together and was awestruck by its sheer size.” a range of companies for one reason and best — working and cycling. that’s our clients and their dream to build a Peter said the introduction of Midland’s family home,” he said. Maxibrick was an enduring memory. Together with son Glenn (pictured below), the “Partnerships are important to us as they pair not only run Peter Stannard Homes but “They allowed for faster and cost encourage consistency, and this in turn also don lycra for long rides around the river efficiency and I remember thinking ‘this is the delivers quality.” between Fremantle and the Mt Henry Bridge brick’ when I first used it,” he said. when they can. The importance of giving back to the Then, in the late 1980s, Midland Brick community was not lost on Peter and Glenn “I’m 79-years-old and as you get older people launched its Handmade rustic brick range, the too — working with charities, assisting say, ‘Should you do it?’, and I think if you’re result of a collaboration pioneered by Peter. with accommodation and education in the capable, then do it,” Peter said. Philippines as well as sponsoring children in Even today, it still maintains its place as a “I’m an avid cyclist too,” Glenn added. “I need were a few things briefly mentioned. generally ride around 180km per week.” timeless and classic brick range which is unique to WA. While Peter’s wealth of experience and The passion that this father and son share for longevity in WA’s building industry will leave building homes and WA’s building industry Peter Stannard Homes’ good standing and a lasting impression for the years to come, is as strong as the day Peter established his solid reputation has ensured strong and long- it is now Glenn’s responsibility to carry the business 55 years ago. term partnerships with others in the industry. Stannard name and ethos into the future.

22 BUILDING A DID YOU SUSTAINABLE WA KNOW Sustainability is key towards helping It found that when coupled with good solar- the environment and everyone has a passive design, building with bricks reduced internal temperature fluctuations to ensure Midland Brick role to play in ensuring its health and comfortable living conditions year-round. has recycled enough bricks longevity for generations to come. to build a whole suburb Put simply, bricks gradually absorb heat to keep buildings cool in summer, while in winter, Many home builders, probably without even they hold the home’s heat longer, keeping realising it, are doing their bit for sustainability those inside warm. when they build with double clay-bricks. By using bricks The benefits don't stop there. Natural clay in conjunction with good Though bricks have been around for bricks are durable, low maintenance and retain solar passive design and thousands of years, it is only now that we are their looks over many years. They are also a insulation, homeowners understanding their sustainable properties natural material so they can easily be crushed can create a house that when used correctly. back to their original state to be recycled into requires no artificial heating What does this mean with regard to home new bricks. or cooling in nearly all parts design and building techniques? Artificial heating and cooling is a big source of of Australia In terms of sustainable design, it is important greenhouse emissions so it makes sense to to consider the environmental friendliness and cut the energy usage of households by using longevity of the materials chosen for building. high thermal mass materials such as brick.

Making conscientious choices today will go Using bricks to build your home is a smart choice You can recycle a long way to ensuring the lifestyle of our that not only creates a great looking home but old clay bricks, pavers or can lessen the impact on the environment. children, grandchildren and future generations. roof tiles at any Midland This may sound like a big responsibility but do To understand more about thermal mass Brick yard in the metro area not be disheartened. Understanding which and its sustainability benefits, visit the materials offer the best performance and Think Brick website at economy will help guide your selections. www.thinkbrick.com.au

Let’s examine the facts. Recent research by Think Brick Australia and the University of Newcastle found clay-brick construction was a more energy efficient and sustainable walling solution when compared to other forms of construction. Thermally efficient

Recyclable Reliable Durable

23 Nic Russell to the Rescue

Landscapes WA’s Nic Russell “That first show was an amazing experience — being involved in such a community event (pictured left) is a big believer in was inspirational,” he said. “After that, we giving back to the community and were hooked.” he has done so in spades since Alongside other local businesses and being approached to contribute to volunteers, Midland Brick has supported the Matt & Kim to the Rescue, a show show by supplying product such as bricks, pavers and Cultured Stone to help make the which renovates properties for people projects become a reality. enduring unspeakably tough times. Nic said having Midland Brick onboard from the start gave his team a great selection of Nic, who has been a landscaper for 20 years, products and colours to work with. said he felt privileged to work on M&K from the start. To date, this had involved six shows “One of my favourite products is Ashlar paving, — or transformations. which looks stylish in alfresco areas,” he said.

Matt and Kim 24 5 STEPS TO MAKE OVER YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

While the projects shown on Matt & Kim to the Rescue are best left to the experts given the sheer size of the overhauls, Nic Russell says there is a lot of things homeowners can tackle themselves to make simple and affordable changes to their own landscaped areas.

He says it is important to get the fundamentals right from the start to save you money and hassle in the “My favourite Midland Brick product is long run. Here is his top five landscaping tips: Cultured Stone. It looks amazing and you cannot pick it from a natural stone Start with an overall design Working towards an agreed design can product, however, it’s lightweight and so help save money without the worry of doing much easier to use. We use it in so many 1 things twice. different situations, from front facade Be prepared house cladding and raised planter boxes, Anyone can get a wheel barrow and set up a site for landscaping. Keeping the area clean and free of rubbish to feature walls both inside and out.” 2 and debris can speed things up. – Nic Russell, Landscapes WA Simplicity Look to use planting which requires similar soil types and fertilisers. Mass planting can help you achieve this and the 3 overall look is amazing.

Layering Using different sized plants can help to create depth and body in the garden. Consider using flowering plants and 4 plants with different foliage colours to create the look of a more established garden.

Create a focal point Building the overall design around a centrepiece or focal point is a great way to entice people into outdoor areas. Try installing 5 a fire pit as one example — just the thing to warm up a crowd in the backyard on a crisp spring night.

25 In the family tradition

Given his surname — and its What do you enjoy most about your phase of the journey begins and we’ve been influence on building in WA – it working day? able to contribute towards that. You used to work at Midland in a was always inevitable that Jay A Contributing to the team, learning new Walter would someday follow his things and watching someone achieve a goal marketing role. What memory sticks or dream. out the most? father Julian’s footsteps into the building game. What makes a good home? A Getting the photos right for the brick swatches. I remember being sent out with A It’s a person’s opportunity for a blank a camera to take shots of all the latest brick Surrounded by the industry from an early age canvas, a new start. When my wife and I runs. I found a house in Piara Waters with a and even working at Midland Brick following first bought a place we hated the layout of Limestone Hue and went up the side of the university, Jay has undertaken his biggest our bedroom and the wardrobe specifically. house to take the shot without realising there role to date — as General Manager of the When we built, it was one of the main things was someone living there! He chased me out JWH Group, which encompasses some of we focused on, and now we love it so much. with a stick!! WA’s best-known building brands including In Everyone has a checklist — we combine that Vogue, Oswald Homes, WA Country Builders and our experience to give them what fits their So what is the direction you take with and Plunkett. lifestyle best. the JWH Group moving forward?

The job comes with a hefty weight of The handover is one of the most A We’ll continue to be people centric and expectation and responsibility for someone exciting moments for anyone building. give the individuals who make so young — but a challenge the 31-year-old What is this moment like for you? up this company the permission is relishing. to challenge the status quo. A I think the feeling is mutual. People are My focus is simply to leave the Midland Brick sat down with Jay for a quick excited as it’s now their home. It’s crossed business in the same or hopefully Q&A … over from being a building site to now being better place than when I took over completely in their possession. The next the job.

FACT FILE

Earliest memory of Midland Brick? The Paving Season ads with the infamous “duck hunters” as well as the distinct smell of clay when driving past the Middle Swan plant.

Favourite brick? Ebony Stone. It’s great to see a brick that isn’t extremely common but always looks sharp in any home it’s built with.

Brick or render? Brick. Bricks are low maintenance and the same design built with different brick styles can look so different.

Single or double-storey? Single.

Favourite past times? Running along the coast, spending time with family, tinkering with cars.

Tea or coffee? Coffee.

Sweet or savoury? Savoury.

26 Jay Walter Knock-Knock to Click-Click ‘Knock-Knock’ TV - 1976 50 years of Midland Brick advertising

Ric New was one of the early believers in the power of advertising. An early Paul Rigby press ad from the 1960s He was a driving force behind the long running, Run-on-Pavers TV - 1997 and still remembered, “Knock-Knock” television campaign which had its origins in the mid 70s.

Even earlier than that, Midland Brick ran press campaigns featuring the famous West Australian cartoonist Paul Rigby as well as black-and-white cinema ads promoting their new products.

In more recent years, there have been many award- winning TV campaigns such as the “Paving Season” The famous duck hunters - 1998 duck hunting tradies, the friendly chubby jogger in “Run on Pavers” and the injury-prone DIYer planning to landscape his yard.

Today, 40 years on from those early ads, we see Midland Brick online, with new apps and even an online shop — a far cry from those black-and-white days but with the same focus on the future, as it was then.

More humour - ‘Midland Vision’ - 2001

ONLINE SHOP OPEN 24/7

‘Bit of lifting. Bit of Shifting’ - 2002

Stylestone TV - 2005

27 1946 2016 Like our relationship, you’ve stood the test of time.

Congratulations Midland Brick on achieving your 70th. Like you the JWH Group grew up in WA and is still an entirely Western Australian family owned business. The JWH Group is made of a range of successful companies building homes from the Great Southern to the Mid-West region and everywhere in between. Employing over 600 hard working West Australians and in excess of 1,000 subcontractors, JWH one of the largest builders in this state. We are proud to say our relationship with Midland Brick helps form a foundation for the JWH Group to move forward into the future.

EST 1972

For more information call 9464 7800 or visit us online at jwhgroup.com.au 28 end of town The Perth Stadium Midland Brick not only shapes the residentialBig building landscape but also supplies concrete blocks building materials to some of 900,000 Perth's most significant projects

Brookfield Plaza 250,000 concrete blocks Fiona Stanley Hospital , concrete300 blocks000

29 Here’s to mud in your eye

Midland Brick is not just in Aside from helping Perth Zoo in its bid to the business of making bricks save wildlife, the partnership also provided a great opportunity for team building and but also giving back to the development within Midland Brick, such community, as evidenced by its as the time staff from the Middle Swan longstanding partnership with brickworks spent a day working with the Zoo’s team in the Western Swamp tortoise Perth Zoo to support its mission enclosure. to save wildlife. "It was such a great day to be able to get up close and Since 2010, it has donated goods for personal with the zoo wildlife animal enclosures, supplied clay for the and help behind the Galapagos tortoise, rhinos and elephants, scenes,” Midland Brick’s and even helped in the release of nearly 40 Natalie Gilbert (pictured Western Swamp tortoise hatchlings, one above right) said. of Australia’s most endangered reptile.

30

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of Parks and Wildlife. Wildlife. and Parks of

co-operation with the Department Department the with co-operation

into managed wild habitats in in habitats wild managed into

three years of age – it is released released is it – age of years three

reaches 100g in weight – about about – weight in 100g reaches

When a Western Swamp tortoise tortoise Swamp Western a When

TORTOISE Things are looking a whole lot brighter for the looking a whole lot brighter Things are a team thanks to Swamp tortoise Western PerthZoo, which has effort headed up by the single biggest population of the critically in the found anywhere reptile endangered world. than 800 more Since 1989, it has bred to of which 600 have been released tortoises, boost their numbers in the wild. support for the species has Midland Brick’s in countless ways. Zoo helped Perth for the building materials It contributed Swamp Tortoise construction of its Western staff while the company’s Facility, Breeding and in hatchlings release have also helped to planting out the ponds at this facility — plants shelter, with the reptiles provide which help to insects. shade and food by attracting can exhibit Swamp Tortoise The Western precinct Wetlands be found in the Australian by sponsored and is proudly Zoo at Perth Midland Brick.

WESTERN SWAMP WESTERN SWAMP

KNOW

YOU DID

Both boys their mud LOVE skin hydrated. skin hydrated. wallows, especially and keeping their and keeping in summer. wrap, rejuvenating rejuvenating wrap, equivalent of a mud body insect repellent. It’s the rhino It’s insect repellent.

protect their skin from the harsh their skin from protect summer sun and acts as a natural

around it. The mud helps them around and flying everywhere as they roll and flying everywhere as they We place the donated clay in their mud place the donated We 19 years White our two Southern after Looking

A A A wallow. The boys love to rumble and play rumble and play The boys love to wallow. head in it, covering themselves from around sending mud splashing and often toe to Senior rhinoceros keeper Senior rhinoceros Memphis and his son, Bakari. rhinoceros, in tip-top This involves checking they’re pedicures, condition, giving them rhino-sized copious amounts of food for them preparing them in our behind- to visitors and introducing They love the public the-scenes encounters. and scratches get extra as they encounters celery on! munch to How has Midland Brick helped? Kaelene McKay How long have you been the zookeeper? What does your day-to-day job involve?

YOU

and Southern White rhinos. White Southern and

The clay that Midland Brick donates The clay that Midland Brick donates 17 years for our two female Asian Caring Zoo, including its Asian elephants elephants Asian its including Zoo,

for a range of animals at Perth Perth at animals of range a for

donated 120 cubic metres of clay clay of metres cubic 120 donated

has Brick Midland 2013, Since

KNOW A DID A A forms part of our enrichment activities which our elephants mentally and physically keep cover The elephants use it to healthy. their skin from protect themselves in mud to insects, as well as the harsh sun and from during and hydrated stay cool helping them to play summers. They love to Perth scorching When we get a new delivery in it too. around and they play with it for the first time, it is accompanied by rumbles and often trumpeting. excited elephants, Tricia and Permai and our bull and and Permai elephants, Tricia Mas. This involves keeping elephant, Putra healthy the elephants physically and mentally and by doing various health checks, training the day throughout of activities doing a range the Zoo such as walking the two girls around games. and playing elephant-sized How has Midland Brick helped? What does your day-to-day job involve? What does your day-to-day job involve? How long have you How long have you been the zookeeper? Kirsty Carey Q&A WITH THE ZOOKEEPERS WITH Q&A Senior elephant Senior elephant keeper

Photos: Alex Cearns, Houndstooth Studio. Thanks to the building industry for 70 years of support

Jandakot • Joondalup • Middle Swan • Mandurah • Osborne Park • Homebase Subiaco

Cultured Stone® is a registered trademark of Boral Stone Products LLC of the USA. Cultured Stone® is distributed by Midland Brick® (Boral Bricks Western Australia Pty Ltd). Midland Brick is a registered trade mark of Boral Bricks Western Australia Pty Ltd. Boral Bricks Western Australia Pty Ltd ABN 42 008 674 244. www.midlandbrick.com.au. Correct as JULY 2016.