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Prefabricated brick facades from Modular Masonry Group streamline construction.
In Seaford, Victoria, Modular Masonry Group is actively redefining brick facade construction with its innovative prefabricated brick rain screens. Led by founder and director Takota Williams-Roszczyk, the company combines light gauge steel subframes with 25mm brick slips to create versatile, high-performance solutions for Australian developers and builders.
Williams-Roszczyk, who began his career in traditional on-site bricklaying, recognised the potential of modular construction to address industry challenges. “Modular construction lets us control the entire process offsite, so builders can avoid many of the delays and disruptions that come with traditional methods,” he explains. This approach allows for greater control over quality, time, and cost, providing a streamlined alternative to conventional brickwork.
Watch their story about the Melbourne Igloo project.
A significant milestone for Modular Masonry Group was the Melbourne Igloo project, one of Australia’s largest prefabricated brick installations. The project involved over 3,300 square metres of brickwork integrated into curtain wall facade panels, all prefabricated at the Seaford facility and delivered to the site fully finished. “This project demonstrated the efficiencies achievable through prefabrication,” says Williams-Roszczyk. “By handling much of the labour offsite, we reduced the need for large on-site teams, cutting costs and speeding up project timelines.”
The company’s prefabricated brick rain screens are designed to act as moisture barriers, protecting buildings from the elements while enhancing aesthetics. Unlike traditional cladding, these facades don’t incorporate fire-resistance, though the team is exploring ways to potentially add that capability in the future. “We’re looking into options to expand the rain screen’s functionality, which could position our system as a multi-functional curtain wall that combines both durability and visual appeal,” notes Williams-Roszczyk.
A key component of the design is the light gauge steel subframe, chosen for its strength and adaptability. The team cuts 25mm brick slips from full bricks to reduce waste, offering clients a range of customisable finishes. “This practical approach allows our facades to suit various architectural styles while prioritising sustainable practices,” says Williams-Roszczyk.
With Australia’s construction industry facing a shortage of skilled bricklayers, Modular Masonry Group’s prefabricated approach may well offer a valuable alternative. By managing much of the labour at its Seaford facility, the company has reduced on-site staffing requirements from 40-50 bricklayers to a specialised team of just 15. “This shift lowers on-site costs and speeds up project timelines, giving developers an attractive, scalable option for complex builds,” explains Williams-Roszczyk.
Each prefabricated panel weighs about 50-55 kilograms per square metre and is engineered to fit seamlessly with building frames. This precision ensures that the facades meet the high standards of modern construction, providing a refined finish.
Williams-Roszczyk and his team are focussed on high-profile, challenging projects where modular solutions can make the biggest difference. “With every new build, we’re redefining the role of prefabricated brick facades, combining the enduring appeal of brick with the streamlined efficiency of modular construction,” he says.
