Kiwibricks are manufactured by Viblock in Central Otago, New Zealand.
Viblock is a 100% owned and operated Kiwi family business. The bricks are made of reprocessed aggregates from gold mining and dam construction days. Each brick is named after a waterway which has fed the aggregates. Kiwibricks come in a range of colours and finishes to complement your desired aesthetic.
Viblock recommends these products are laid by a professional LBP following guidelines in BBFNZ best practice guide. As this product is made with natural material, there may be slight colour variations between batches. Viblock recommends all products exposed to weather are sealed to ensure a long-lasting, high durability finish.
Manufactured in accordance with NZS3604, NZS 4210 and CCANZ CP01.
Available Colours + finishes
Select a swatch below to view a range of projects built using that colour.
The following treatments are available for Kiwibricks
Available Bricks
Shotover Brick
weight: 130 kg/m2
57 units / m2
Dunstan Brick
weight: 125 kg/m2
32 units / m2
Dart Brick
weight: 130 kg/m2
38 units / m2
Kawarau Brick
weight: 123 kg/m2
28 units / m2
Hawea Brick
weight: 120 kg/m2
16 units / m2
Whakatipu Brick
weight: 118 kg/m2
10 units / m2
Kiwibricks Features + Benefits
Fast construction, lightweight uniformly made product reducing trade costs.
Precision machine manufactured to ensure efficient building time at your site.
Locally Manufactured from a trusted business
Viblock has been operating for over 15 years supplying the building industry. We pride ourselves on supporting the local community.
Highly durable product, Weather resistant
Provided the exterior is sealed when recommended kiwibricks homes will perform against all natural elements.
Great performing thermal mass, reduces energy costs
High thermal mass of kiwibricks homes reduces the need for heating and cooling and the associated costs.
Low Maintenance
A well known benefit of bricks and concrete products is the very low maintenance required.
Affordable
Bricks are well known as the most affordable high quality building veneer.
Additional Information
Where you can buy?
Our blocks are typically delivered direct to your site. We can be sourced through your local merchant alternatively you can buy direct. Contact Us to discuss best option for you.
Leadtimes and delivery process
Most general products (natural kiwibricks) we stock at our Alexandra and Christchurch sites. We have relationships with many transport companies which allows for a full range of delivery services to your location. Leadtime is typically within 2 days of ordering.
For architectural products; coloured kiwibricks & secondary processing (honed, split, rumbled or textured products) we require a lead time of typically 6 weeks.
Step 1.
Manufacture: 2 weeks
Our plants are manufacturing to a two-week plan ensuring general stock levels are maintained.
Step 2.
Curing time: 1 – 2 weeks
Once manufactured concrete products require time to reach specific strengths. This time is variable depending on your block choice and final application.
Step 3.
Second Processing: 1 week
Honing
This process is done at site using an automated Hensel machine, involves a diamond cutting the face of the block. Our most popular finish for block, the result is a sleek aesthetic that highlights aggregate in the mix.
Textured/Bush hammering
This process is done at our Alexandra site and requires extra curing time to ensure a strong product. The result is an exposed aggregate finish with a uniform texture across the block.
Rumbling
completed at site, blocks are tumbled down a cylinder to create a rough edge and weathered aesthetic.
Step 4.
Delivery: 1-2 days
Completed through our network of partners can be with Hiabs or whatever your site requires.
Get in touch with one of our friendly team for more information on our lead times and delivery process
Important things to consider when choosing kiwibricks
Every effort is made by Viblock to ensure the end user has a great product however we are only one step in the overall process. Each stage requires professional attention otherwise the result will not be to the desired standard.
Below outlines the stages in a block construction;
1. Select your desired product
There are many ways kiwibricks can be used to achieve a desired aesthetic. Key decisions include; the need for kiwibricks to be structural or a veneer, the laying pattern stack bonded or stretcher bond. From here what colour and finish you require can be decided. ViBlock offers the largest variety of manufactured kiwibricks finishes in New Zealand so will likely be able to accommodate your requirements. For further detail please refer to, Available Colours.
2. Ensure your designer is specifying to masonry standards
The build process is invariably smoother when wall sizes and controls are designed to specific lengths and details that work for blocks. There are many resources available to assist designers and architects, these include;
NZ design standard for masonry building not requiring specific engineering design – NZS 4229:2013
3. Engage a professional mason to lay the product
Block layers can make all the difference when building with masonry. Block layers have a trade association that provides them with support in training and ongoing learning this goes above the licenced building practitioners. Above the trade association block layers can become Master Masons. Contracting with a Master Mason ensures the individual has been assessed as having an appropriate level of skills and knowledge to complete work to an industry best practice standard. More information can be found at the following links
Or you can contact us. Attached are guidelines for block layers to follow when using architectural masonry, it is important the block layer is aware it will be used as finished product.
4. Sealing product
Viblock recommends all masonry is sealed to improve the look and durability of the product. Sealing is especially important for coloured masonry to reduce the likelihood of efflorescence and maintain the desired aesthetic over time. Viblock recommends Sto weathertight sealing systems are used for any walls open to the elements. For internal walls there are many sealers in the market it is important you have a professional installer complete the sealing and they follow the manufactures recommendations.
Villa Veneer
Viblock manufactures Villa Veneer products, these are a great way to achieve a weatherboard look while getting all the benefits of kiwibricks. More information can be found here
Efflorescence: What you need to know
Efflorescence is a naturally occurring phenomena associated with all Concrete products. The chemistry involved is complex, involving several factors over which neither the manufacturer, the contractor, nor the end user has total control.
At Viblock we are very much aware of efflorescence and the problems it can create. Our manufacturing processes have all but eliminated the occurrence of efflorescence in our products, however unfortunately, we have no control over the environment in which our kiwibricks & Pavers are used.
In order to reduce the chances of efflorescence occurring, it is important that purchases care for the products from delivery to sealing (refer Viblock Care of Kiwibricks, Pavers sheets and the paving laying guide).
Three steps to reduce the chance of efflorescence occurring
- Products must be stored correctly before laying.
- Laying of Blocks and pavers should be completed by a licensed trade professional.
- Sealing should also be carried out by a trade professional
Efflorescence should it occur in no way effects the structural integrity of our kiwibricks Blocks and Pavers.
Sale Conditions
Ownership:
Products remain the property of Viblock Limited until full payment has been received.
Payment:
Unless approved credit arrangements are made prior to delivery, payment is required at time of the placing of order. Prices are subject to alterations without notice and deliveries will be made at prices current at the time of dispatch.
Pallets:
All pallets are returnable, in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and subject to a deposit of $45+GST each, credited when pallets are returned to Viblock by the Purchaser.
Returns:
Returns if accepted by Viblock will incur a handling fee. Claims for faulty products will not be entertained once they have been laid. No returns are accepted arising from over-ordering
Variations On Delivery:
Variations of actual quantities from those shown on delivery docket must be notified to us at the time of delivery otherwise no responsibility will be accepted for such variations. Goods delivered to unattended sites are the customer’s responsibility and the Company will not accept claims for shortages. Delivery is deemed to be effected when trucks have reached the closest point to the customer’s property without leaving the public road. Trucks are not permitted to drive over concrete crossings or driveways, unless a council approved crossing is provided. Trucks entering customer’s property at customer’s request do so at the customer’s risk and the Company will not accept any liability for damage.
Estimates:
Estimates are given for guidance only as to the number and type of blocks required and the Company will not accept responsibility for accuracy, nor accept claims for variations. The customer will be charged for all blocks delivered.
Colours:
Coloured products can vary due to the use of Natural Aggregates.
DISCLAIMERS:
The information contained in this document is current at the time of issue. Viblock Limited reserves the right to change product specification without prior notice. Where specification is relevant on specific product performance please check with Viblock first.