You know how sometimes you scroll through home design sites and see ideas that just stop you in your tracks? That’s what the New Homes Projects in Sydney page is for. Brickwood Homes has pulled together real projects they’ve done — homes, extensions, duplexes, granny flats — all over Sydney and nearby NSW.

It’s not just a gallery. It’s a way to see what good design feels like. You look at them and think: “Oh, that house handled light beautifully.” Or: “They made a small space feel huge.” It helps you imagine what your version could be.

Brick Veneer vs. Double Brick — What’s the Difference?

Here’s a question I see people ask a lot: Do I go with brick veneer or double brick construction? Both have pros and cons. Brickwood Homes has a page about Brick Veneer vs Double Brick that lays it out clearly.

Here are some things to think about:

• Cost: Double brick is usually more expensive upfront. More materials, more labour.
• Thermal comfort: Because double brick is a thicker wall, it tends to have better insulation. It can stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter.
• Maintenance & finish: Veneer lets you get different external looks more easily; double brick has a classic, solid feel but you might have less flexibility in change later.
• Weight, foundation, etc.: Double brick walls are heavier and might need stronger foundations. If your land is sloped or soil is soft, that matters.

Thinking these through helps avoid surprises when construction starts.

Knockdown & Rebuild a Duplex in NSW — A Bold Move

Sometimes the house you have just doesn’t cut it anymore: maybe layout feels dated, maybe location is great but the home isn’t making the most of it. That’s where a knockdown & rebuild can make real sense. Brickwood Homes’ Guide to Knockdown and Rebuild a Duplex in NSW is good reading before diving in.

What you’ll want to think about:

• Planning and approvals: Demolition, council paperwork, designs — all need to be lined up properly. It takes time.
• Cost vs reward: Yes, it's a bigger investment than just renovating. But often, the result (a modern duplex) adds value. Not just resale, but also lifestyle — better layouts, better livability.
• Disruption: Living with demolition, neighbours, dust, time delays — all real. Choosing a builder who handles those smoothly matters.
• Design freedom: One of the biggest upsides. You get to start fresh. If you’ve always wanted a certain layout, light, room configuration, you can build it in rather than trying to force patchwork fixes.

What I’d Do If I Were You

If I was thinking about building right now, here’s what I’d check:

• Browse the project gallery: See which styles appeal to me. Collect photos.
• List my must-haves vs nice-to-haves: Good light, airflow, wall finishes, thermal comfort.
• Talk to a couple of builders: Especially Brickwood Homes if they’re local. Ask about brick veneer vs double brick, and whether knockdown & rebuild makes sense for my block.
• Budget for surprises: Soil issues, council delays, things I change my mind on during construction.
• Think ahead: Will the design still work five or ten years later? Because you’ll live with it longer than you build it.