How Brick is Reinventing the Walk-Up Flat

Think Brick champions the return of a time-tested housing model – and the material shaping its future.

Think Brick Australia is shining a spotlight on the return of low-rise, 3-storey walk-up flats (3SWUFs) – a heritage-inspired, forward-thinking housing model that is quickly gaining traction across Sydney and Melbourne. As urban density, sustainability, and affordability rise to the top of planning agendas, Think Brick Australia is reimagining these familiar mid-century buildings in collaboration with Environa Studios – and brick is at the centre of their revival.

“Brick has always been a symbol of strength and resilience in Australian architecture, ” says Cathy Inglis, CEO of Think Brick Australia.

“But today, it’s also a material of innovation. As we look for smarter ways to build – homes that are more liveable, more energy-efficient and more community focused – brick is proving to be the quiet hero in delivering sustainable density and design excellence.”

Australia is in the grip of a national housing crisis, with estimates suggesting a shortfall of over 175,000 homes by 2027. At the same time, affordability remains a critical barrier, with average house prices in capital cities now more than eight times the median income. In this context, 3SWUFs provide a viable, scalable solution – offering density without high-rise living, and delivering comfort and community at a fraction of the cost.

Recently enabled by new planning policies in New South Wales and Victoria, 3SWUFs offer a compelling alternative to towers and sprawl. Typically housing 7–12 dwellings on a standard suburban block, these buildings strike an ideal density of 60–80 people per hectare – a sweet spot for community connection, access to local amenities, and reduced environmental impact.

When built from load-bearing brick, 3SWUFs offer long-term performance benefits including improved thermal mass, acoustic privacy, fire resistance and reduced lifecycle costs. Their compact form supports cross-ventilation and natural light, while their generous roof areas make them ideal for solar installation. Combined, these features deliver real energy savings – not only for the planet, but for residents too.

“3-storey walk-ups allow us to return to a more human scale of living,” says Inglis.

“They’re more than a nostalgic form – they’re a contemporary solution to a complex housing challenge. And by building with brick, we’re ensuring that these homes will not only endure but enrich the fabric of our suburbs for generations to come.”

Affordable to build, easy to maintain and inherently sustainable, 3SWUFs represent a new frontier for medium-density living – and a powerful reminder that some of the best ideas are worth revisiting.