For brothers Jason and Christian Huntington, a family connection to Germany has become a way to bring distinctive brickwork into Australian homes.

For Jason and Christian Huntington, the appeal of German brickwork has a personal history. Their mother grew up near Janinhoff Klinkermanufaktur, the manufacturer whose bricks now form the heart of the Jaco Bricks collection. Visits to the region gave the brothers an appreciation for buildings where the clay’s natural colour and texture remain visible, bringing character to the architecture.

Through Jaco Bricks, they help Australian architects and homeowners explore how those materials can work in their own projects. The process involves more than selecting a colour. A brick’s proportions, the mortar around it and the way it meets adjoining materials all shape the finished wall.

For Jason, that connection became especially tangible when building his own home. Tennyson Residence, designed by Enzo Caroscio Architecture, combines Jaco bricks with timber, natural stone and landscaped spaces. The brickwork continues from the exterior into the home, creating a sense of continuity between indoor living spaces, courtyards and terraces. The home subsequently received a commendation at the South Australian Architecture Awards.

Jason’s home also allows clients to see the bricks in a finished architectural setting. While a small sample offers a feel for the colour and texture, a completed wall reveals how the bricks’ natural variation, mortar and changing light come together. Seeing the material used both inside and out helps clients imagine its possibilities in their own homes.