Inside Alex & Corban’s Timeless Coastal Retreat
Inside Alex & Corban’s Timeless Coastal Retreat
When it comes to designing a home that balances personality, practicality, and timeless beauty, few do it quite like Alex and Corban Walls. Their recently renovated bach in Whananaki is a case study in thoughtful material choices and enduring design — and it just so happens to be one of the first projects to showcase Viblock’s new custom brick slip system.
From interiors layered with texture to seamless transitions between inside and out, this stunning coastal retreat shows exactly what’s possible when aesthetics and functionality come together.
Project by Alex and Corban | Interior Design by Alex Walls | Featured Products: 450 Half Brick Slips in Crawford Schist | Photography Sophie Bayly
Introducing Brick Slips — A New Offering from Viblock
As part of Viblock’s commitment to product innovation, we’ve developed a new system to machine-cut our premium bricks into thin, versatile brick slips. This means that a wide selection of sizes — including slimline profiles like 390 Half and 450 Slim — can now be cut to order as brick slips.
Whether you’re working with a refined interior palette or a bold architectural concept, there’s now even more flexibility in how you can apply Viblock’s high-performance products inside and out.
What Are Brick Slips?
Brick slips are thin slices of real brick, usually around 20mm thick, designed to replicate the look and feel of a full brick wall — without the weight or structural demands.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what they offer:
- Authentic brick look: Cut from real bricks, they retain natural texture and character
- Lightweight and versatile: simple to install — perfect for feature walls, fireplaces, kitchen splashbacks, and more
- Interior or exterior use: Suitable for indoor applications and protected outdoor spaces
- Adhesive installation: Installed like tiles with adhesive and grout — no cavity wall system required
- Durability: Despite their thin profile, brick slips are long-lasting and low-maintenance, especially when sealed.
Unlike faux alternatives, Viblock’s brick slips are made by slicing the face off our actual bricks — so you get the same character, colour, and natural variation.
Project by Alex and Corban | Interior Design by Alex Walls | Featured Products: 450 Half Brick Slips in Crawford Schist | Photography Sophie Bayly
Why Choose Brick Slips?
Brick slips are an ideal solution for homeowners looking to add architectural texture and timeless charm without the structural demand of brickwork.
- Weight: being smaller in scale, the brick slip can be used in more lightweight applications, especially popular in renovations.
- Cost-effective: In some applications fewer materials and faster installation means lower project costs
- Stylish and timeless: Brings instant warmth, depth, and visual interest to any room
- Locally made: Cut from Viblock’s sustainable brick range, made in Central Otago using reprocessed aggregates
- Customisable: Choose from a wide variety of colours, finishes, and formats to suit your home’s palette and style a list here if you want to.
And now, thanks to Viblock’s in-house cutting capability, brick slips are available on request across much of our range.
Project by Alex and Corban | Interior Design by Alex Walls | Featured Products: 450 Half Brick Slips in Crawford Schist | Photography Sophie Bayly
A Story in Texture: The Whananaki Bach by Alex & Corban
Set just 20 metres from the water’s edge in a quiet Northland bay, the Whananaki bach is a family retreat rooted in connection — to place, to craft, and to thoughtful design.
Originally a relocatable Mini Cooper showroom made from shipping containers, the building was transformed by Alex and Corban into a multi-dwelling holiday home that could host their growing family and friends. More than a decade later, the couple returned to refresh the bach with a refined material palette — and brick slips played a central role.
Inside, Viblock’s brick slips form a beautiful backdrop in the open-plan living and dining area. Their earthy tones and honed finish complement soft neutrals, warm timber, and mid-century furniture, tying everything together in a space that feels both tactile and timeless.
“I didn’t want to use anything that would date quickly — everything needed to be timeless.”
– Alex Walls, as told to Homestyle magazine
Alex & Corban’s Whananaki bach is more than just a renovation — it’s a story of thoughtful design, hands-on craftsmanship, and timeless material choices. The full project is beautifully captured in Homestyle magazine, where Alex shares her inspiration, approach, and favourite features.
Project by Alex and Corban | Interior Design by Alex Walls | Featured Products: 450 Half Brick Slips in Crawford Schist | Photography Sophie Bayly
For Homeowners Who Want More From Their Materials
The Whananaki project highlights what many homeowners are seeking today: materials that combine beauty, longevity, and practical performance.
Brick slips offer the best of all worlds — the appearance of full brickwork, the flexibility of a tile, and the craftsmanship of a product made right here in New Zealand. Whether you’re renovating a coastal bach, designing a new build, or looking to add a feature wall to your living space, brick slips are a smart and stylish solution.
Thinking About Brick Slips for Your Home?
At Viblock, we’re proud to offer a wide range of cut-to-order brick slips crafted from our existing brick collections. Whether you already have a colour in mind or need help choosing the right tone and texture, we’re here to help.
Speak To Our Team
order a sample to explore how brick slips can bring lasting character to your next project.
If you’re based in Christchurch, pop into our new showroom at 9 Aruhe Rd, Hornby to explore our full range of bricks and slips in person. We’d love to help bring your ideas to life.
Reach us by calling 0800 842 562 or by going through our contact form below.