The Block stands strong with CSR building materials

The Block 2011 had its fair share of drama and high emotion, but one thing that has remained a constant is the quality of building products installed both internally and externally in the show’s houses.

Australia’s leading building manufacturer, CSR was selected as the official building supplier for Channel 9’s popular reality TV show The Block 2011 due to its wide range of high quality materials. The program showcased a number of CSR’s brands being used to renovate four homes in the Melbourne suburb, Richmond.

The fourth season of The Block sees four couples compete against each other to renovate a property and sell it at auction, the winner determined by the highest price above reserve on auction day. CEO of CSR, Rob Sindel, was delighted at CSR’s involvement with The Block. “We were more than happy to supply building products to the high rating show and ultimately assist in producing great homes that sold well in an economy in downturn.”

As the sole building products supplier for the show, CSR was able to demonstrate how its products can be used effectively together for renovation building. The Block 2011 showcased Gyprock™ plasterboard, Cemintel™ fibre cement, Cemintel Designer Series™, Bradford™ insulation and Edmonds™ ventilation.

Rob Sindel says, “We were particularly excited to have a national platform to launch and showcase the Cemintel’s new Designer Series™ external walling solution, which was installed to the exterior of the second storeys on three of the houses.”

In addition, Cemintel’s SoffitLine™ featuring CeminSeal™ waterblock technology was installed for wet areas and under the fire places, and its Headland Weatherboards™ were used for floor linings. Gyprock plasterboard was installed on every internal wall of each house, excluding wet areas, along with Gyprock decorative cornices. Bradford Insulation was installed as wall and ceiling batts as well as foil lining on the wall framing.

Construction of the four houses began in April and took eight weeks to complete. Channel Nine spokesperson, Linda Geddes says, “Our producers, Watercress Productions, selected CSR to supply building materials for various reasons. It was great to be able to go to one company, knowing they could supply all our building needs with high quality materials.”

Winning contestants, Polly Porter and Warwick Jones, renovated their Cameron Street home and sold at auction for $855,000, $15,000 over their reserve and securing them the $100,000 prize. It was the first time they had renovated, with their previous experience not extending beyond painting.

“We had a ball. I loved getting into the building side of things and really enjoyed strapping on a nail bag and learning how to tile, install plasterboard to the ceiling and yes, creating the Great Wall of Waz,” said Warwick, who is now contemplating a career change into the building industry.

“CSR brands are among the most trusted and recognised businesses in the building industry, and we extremely proud of the quality and range of building products we produce. says Rob Sindel.