Location: Launceston, Tasmania Designer: Jason Van Zetten Building Design & Drafting Developer/Builder: Tedeschi & Voorham Builders Bricklayer: Peter Schouten Roof Tiler: Austral Bricks Austral Bricks products: • Homestead Tan clay bricks • Clay Render Blocks • Villa Coachwood concrete roof tiles   NOVEMBER 2005

Is brown the new black? The builder/developer of this townhouse development in Launceston took a punt on brown … and came out a winner. The eleven units feature Austral Bricks Homestead Tan clay bricks contrasted with the light render and capped with Villa Coachwood roof tiles.

The angular facade design and the mingling of face brick and render helped differentiate the development and build sales. “We were one of the first to do this down here, especially to use a brown brick,” says developer/builder Pino Tedeschi proudly.

The units vary from 16 to 27 squares, each having a distinct floorplan and facade design. A common feature is the use of a pavilion, mostly accessed by folding doors, to take advantage of the views and sunlight. Despite being arranged around a circle, each townhouse has good northerly solar access thanks to site-specific design such as orientation and limiting the height of neighbouring walls.

Under the rendered walling are double-height clay Render Blocks. We asked Pino Tedeschi why he chose these over concrete blocks. “Engineers like them and we’ve had problems with concrete blocks shrinking.”

Tedeschi is an enthusiastic supporter of roof tiles. “I like tiles,” he says simply. “Valuers value tiled roofs more than Colorbond® roofs. And they look better.”

Designer Jason Van Zetten shares this enthusiasm. “I really like a tiled roof. I think we are seeing a resurgence of tiles here in Tasmania, especially with the huge range of colours out now.”