Brick Cladding Systems in Australia: Types and How to Choose

What is a brick cladding system?

A brick cladding system uses thin brick facings, rather than structural full-depth bricks, to clad the exterior of a building. The facings are fixed to a carrier system and serve an aesthetic and weatherproofing function, with structural loads carried by the building's frame.

In Australia, brick cladding systems are increasingly specified on commercial projects where the weight and schedule constraints of traditional masonry are prohibitive, particularly on multi-storey buildings where full brick would require significant additional structural engineering.

Types of brick cladding systems

• Adhesive brick slips: Thin brick facings bonded to a panel substrate with adhesive. Fast on flat surfaces but limited in application range and reliant on long-term adhesive bond.
• Mechanically fixed rail systems: Brick slips are mechanically engaged into a steel rail fixed to the substrate. No reliance on adhesive: suitable for soffits, curved surfaces, and complex geometries.
• Prefabricated brick panels: Brick slips assembled onto a rail in a factory, then crane-lifted into position. Fastest installation method, removes wet trades from site.

Nexbrick™ is a mechanically fixed rail system that also supports prefabricated panel installation, combining structural reliability with maximum schedule efficiency.

How to choose the right system

Key selection criteria for architects and specifiers:

• Surface geometry: If the facade includes soffits, curves, or complex angles, a mechanically fixed system is the only reliable choice.
• Building height: Above three storeys, system weight and structural connection certification become critical. Nexbrick™ at 55kg/m² is significantly lighter than alternatives.
• Brick selection: Some systems are limited to proprietary brick formats. Nexbrick™ accepts any brick from any Australian supplier in any size.
• NCC 2025 compliance: Request full compliance documentation from any system supplier before specifying.

Brick cladding on Australian commercial projects

Nexbrick™ has been specified and delivered on Sunshine Hospital Mental Health Centre (3,150m²), Iglu Tower Melbourne (3,300m²), and The Round Whitehorse Performing Arts Studio (1,600m²), each with different geometric, structural, and programme requirements.

Getting the specification right

The best outcomes come from early engagement: bringing the system supplier into design development rather than at tender stage. Download the Nexbrick™ information pack for full technical specifications, or visit our NCC 2025 compliance page. To discuss your project, contact our team.