2025 Brickworks’ Brick of the Year: Recognising Excellence in Australian Design

Great design begins with the right materials - those that not only define the aesthetic of a home but enhance its longevity and sustainability. Each year, Brickworks’ Brick of the Year celebrates a standout material that reflects the evolving landscape of Australian architecture and design.

This year, a panel of respected Australian architects, including Madeleine Blanchfield of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, Matt Gibson of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, Kitty Lee of Kitty Lee Architecture, and Tanya Buchanan, Editor in Chief of Belle and Australian House & Garden, assessed an outstanding selection of bricks, considering craftsmanship, sustainability, and their ability to complement both contemporary and heritage-inspired homes. More than just an aesthetic choice, the jury examined the innovation behind each brick, evaluating its production process, environmental footprint, and long-term contribution to the built environment.

After extensive deliberation, the jury selected Nubrik - Artisan Wolf as the 2025 Brick of the Year. With its refined texture, soft tonal variations, and seamless integration into a variety of architectural styles, Artisan Wolf embodies both design excellence and enduring appeal. Its warm, earthy tones are inspired by the Australian landscape, ensuring it feels at home whether used in a modern extension, a new build, or a carefully considered renovation.

The jury praised its balance of subtlety and character, with Matt Gibson of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design noting that it carries warm, natural tones with a refined nod to 1970s architecture, complemented by soft greys that defined the era. He described it as a brick that designers and homeowners will return to time and again for its ability to ground a project with texture, warmth, and tactility.

Madeleine Blanchfield of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects highlighted its quiet luxury, seamlessly lending itself to both contemporary designs and more restrained, timeless applications. She described its nuanced texture and depth as creating a feeling of sophistication that is effortless yet deeply considered.

Beyond the individual home, Artisan Wolf was also recognised for the way it enhances the broader streetscape. Kitty Lee of Kitty Lee Architecture emphasised its ability to bring cohesion to a neighbourhood, allowing new builds to sit comfortably alongside heritage homes and natural landscapes. She noted that there is an integrity to Artisan Wolf that makes it feel embedded within its surroundings rather than imposed upon them.

“As homeowners become more invested in the materials that shape their spaces, Brickworks’ Brick of the Year reinforces the enduring value of brick - not just as a structural element, but as an essential feature of design that balances beauty, sustainability, and longevity. ”

The jury also acknowledged the growing global demand for natural, textural materials that stand the test of time, with Tanya Buchanan, Editor in Chief of Belle and Australian House & Garden, noting that Artisan Wolf perfectly aligns with this movement. She explained that it reflects a broader shift towards materials that offer depth, dimension, and a connection to place.

This year’s runners-up were also celebrated for their design integrity. Bowral Chillingham White was praised for its crisp architectural presence, making it a striking choice for both contemporary and heritage-inspired homes. Daniel Robertson Traditional - Buff was recognised for its timeless appeal, with a soft, organic tone that effortlessly complements a wide range of architectural styles.

As homeowners become more invested in the materials that shape their spaces, Brickworks’ Brick of the Year reinforces the enduring value of brick - not just as a structural element, but as an essential feature of design that balances beauty, sustainability, and longevity. Whether for a new build or a carefully considered renovation, this year’s selection highlights the materials that will define Australian homes for years to come.