Brickworks has announced the launch of the second iteration of Kite Breeze, a locally manufactured architectural block created in collaboration with award-winning Australian designer Adam Goodrum. This development reinforces Brickworks’ commitment to Australian-made innovation, further cementing their role in the manufacturing sector.
The latest Kite Breeze is now produced by UrbanStone at Brickworks’ Jandakot manufacturing facility in Western Australia. According to Brickworks, the updated 300x300x90mm wet cast format features a milled finish and recessed sections that reveal a raw, off-form surface, designed to balance functionality with sculptural form.
Commitment to Local Innovation
Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “We were excited to revisit our collaboration with Adam Goodrum on Kite Breeze, and equally pleased to manufacture the evolution of this product locally here in Australia with the expertise of our UrbanStone manufacturing team,” Ward said.
This announcement comes at a time when the importance of local manufacturing is increasingly recognized. The collaboration with Adam Goodrum, known for his innovative designs, highlights Brickworks’ dedication to fostering Australian talent and craftsmanship.
Design Inspired by Personal and Cultural Heritage
Designer Adam Goodrum described the design as a personal reflection of his Perth upbringing. “I was brought up in Perth, Western Australia, known for its blinding sun and famously strong southerly breeze nicknamed ‘The Fremantle Doctor.’ All were indelible parts of my childhood and so too were breeze blocks as they sheltered the front door of our modest family home,” Goodrum said.
The Kite Breeze design encapsulates not just a story of childhood or place, but also Goodrum’s design ethos and his love of geometric art. This personal connection to the design adds a layer of authenticity and narrative to the product, making it more than just a functional architectural element.
Color Palette Reflecting Local Landscapes
Available in four colourways, the Kite Breeze blocks are inspired by the Western Australian landscape. The palette ranges from Sunset Sand, echoing the hues of the Lancelin Sand Dunes, to Paperbark Beige, reminiscent of Lucky Bay’s white sands. These color choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also root the product in its Australian context.
Brickworks stated that the launch highlights the ongoing potential of local manufacturing to deliver innovative and design-driven products tailored to Australia’s architectural landscape. This move represents a strategic alignment with national priorities to boost local industry and reduce reliance on imports.
Implications for the Future
The expansion of local manufacturing capabilities through projects like Kite Breeze is a positive indicator for the future of Australian industry. As global supply chains face disruptions, the ability to produce high-quality, innovative products domestically becomes increasingly valuable.
According to industry experts, initiatives like this could pave the way for more collaborations between designers and manufacturers, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability. The success of Kite Breeze could inspire other companies to invest in local talent and resources, potentially leading to a renaissance in Australian manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Brickworks’ strategic focus on local production and design innovation could serve as a model for other sectors. By prioritizing local resources and expertise, companies can not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute to the broader economic resilience of the region.
As the Kite Breeze project unfolds, it will be interesting to observe its impact on both the market and the broader architectural landscape in Australia. The collaboration between Brickworks and Adam Goodrum may well be a harbinger of a new era in Australian design and manufacturing.
