Entertaining family and friends in our backyard is typical of the Australian culture and lifestyle.
This in turn plays a large part in the pursuit of that longstanding great Australian dream of owning a home - a dream that has steadfastly continued its upward trend and remains an aspiration for many, despite concerns about affordability.
And what do we want our castle to be built from? A recent study commissioned by Think Brick revealed that a home built with clay bricks is strongly desired among many Australians.
The Think Brick National Consumer Tracking Study found 72 per cent of respondents would choose a home built with clay bricks over any other material.
Durable and timeless, bricks are a superior and progressive material to build with, as well as a versatile design tool, available in a myriad of colours, shapes, textures and sizes.
They allow endless customisation opportunities for contemporary Australian homes and building design, and typically deliver a better return on investment - 65 per cent of respondents rate the performance of clay bricks against this factor.
Other findings to come out of the study included 69 per cent of respondents thinking clay bricks have an attractive and stylish appearance, while 64 per cent said they have a wide range of design options, 74 per cent considered them able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and 76 per cent found them to be lower maintenance, as well as being durable and non-combustible.
According to general manager marketing at PGH Bricks & Pavers, Jai Sanderson, Australia's loyalty towards brick is strongly influenced by growing up in a family brick home.
"The Think Brick study revealed that more than 80 per cent of those surveyed agreed with the statement, 'A home designed with brick is everything I want a home to be', which is clearly indicative of our nation's steadfast loyalty to brick," she said.
While confidence in brick may stem from nostalgic memories and experiences, it has now become much more intrinsically linked to the Australian climate and the challenges we face as a country, from indoor temperature management to resistance from extreme weather conditions.
Perhaps the subsequent financial benefits of building with brick are illustrative of why it continues to be such a desirable building material.
