Ann: FBR and Brickworks form joint venture, page-387

Troopy was quite right, the tests were on the block itself. And this was for a prototype to be used in build 1. But that testing was from years ago, before the decision to ditch routing and use large cavity blocks. So the testing was done on an old block.

The second tests were on a wall. We have no idea what conditions or basis this wall was tested on. Single story, double story, fencing wall, internal, external...? The fact that no details ever emerged on the testing or what standards it met means no one knows. Frankly, just like the FAT and dodgey build to claim performance shares it's all a bit underhand.

Its quite clear that this type of building is new. There are still lots of questions about building compliance code. I expect that building codes will have to change for FBR to be certified, and also FBR will have to change some things they currently do. This will vary from state to state with different standards, codes and council requirements. Troopy is simply pointing out there is a lot of water to go under the bridge before HX can build houses.

Given that Fastbricks Australia will be building the houses, both Brickworks and FBR will be jointly responsible for ensuring the builds are done to standard. That's a confidence booster than it being all FBR.

Then the question is, is this method likely to provide a cheaper/better/quicker house? And if so, what will any uptake be? Still a massive way to go yet.