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Two of Australia’s most iconic brands have collaborated on Forma, an artisanal, limited-edition paver that harnesses refined craftsmanship and a contemporary fusion of function, sustainability and redefined traditional materials.
The result of a joint project between Brickworks, one of the largest building material manufacturers in the world, and Mud Australia, known globally for its individually crafted porcelain pieces, the Forma paver has been created around the shared principles of design, innovation and future-forward thinking.
Each paver is crafted using carefully crushed ceramic fragments reclaimed from Mud Australia’s production process. Offcuts and imperfect pieces that would otherwise be discarded are blended into a concrete mix before being honed to reveal a refined, terrazzo-like finish. The result is a one-of-kind, 400 millimetre x 400 millimetre paver that’s equivalent to a piece of art, made locally from porcelain clay sourced from Limoges, France.
Brett Ward, general manager of marketing at Brickworks, says the collaboration pushes the boundaries of how discarded materials can be reimagined while emphasising a shared synergy of design and values between the two brands. “It was a perfect fit,” he says. “Great design is about innovation, longevity and a respect for materials. Both Brickworks and Mud Australia share a deep commitment to craftsmanship, product innovation and local manufacturing, all grounded in Australian values and a design-led approach. We recognised the technical parallels between Mud’s ceramic production and our own – precision, attention to detail and a dedication to creating products that support the built environment.”
Shelley Simpson, founder of Mud Australia, says that ethos is paramount to Forma. “For decades, our philosophy has been about creating pieces that stand the test of time,” she explains. “With Forma, we take that philosophy a step further, turning imperfection into innovation. It’s about honouring materials, embracing circularity and crafting something truly meaningful for architects and designers.”
Imbued with both companies’ understanding of form, texture, tactility and durability, the limited-edition Forma pavers invite touch. Their stippled landscape, a seamless amalgamation of concrete and ceramics, is intriguingly peppered with light and saturated hues from Mud Australia’s 19 signature colours. They also mark the beginning of an evolving creative partnership. More bespoke collaborations are planned, part of the brands’ continued focus on reshaping the design-led opportunities of zero-waste manufacturing.
