The popularity of exposed brickwork in Melbourne dates back to the 1860s when architect Joseph Reed constructed several important buildings featuring exposed polychrome brickwork, including Rippon Lea House (1868 - 1876) and Faraday St School, Carlton (1876). Before this, most Melbourne brickwork had been rendered in the stucco style to emulate the appearance of stonework.
By the 1880s, exposed brickwork was favoured for private homes in Melbourne with the popularity of the "Queen Anne" and "Federation" architectural styles.
Exposed brickwork has since become a distinctive and recognisable feature of Melbourne and its suburbs.
Source: https://www.library.uq.edu.au/ojs/index.php/aa/article/viewFile/1534/1522
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers
Image Source: The Brick Recyclers