A brief history of Krause Bricks
Few materials can boast the timelessness and durability of clay bricks. This humble building material has remained one of the most valuable resources in the construction industry and is one of the oldest and most popular building materials in the world.
At Krause Bricks, we’re proud to be a leading supplier of quality brick products to customers all around Australia. We have been a family-owned and operated brick manufacturing business since 1945 and have continually been at the forefront of modern brick production and innovation.
Here’s a brief history of Krause Bricks brickmaking and the journey of how our family-owned business has become one of the most reputable brick manufacturers in the country.
The beginning
Krause Bricks has a rich history that dates back to 1945 when it was founded by Jack Krause, who returned to the humble yet thriving country town of Stawell after the conclusion of World War II. Jack established himself as a local artisan brickmaker in Stawell in regional Victoria, and Krause Bricks has operated from this Victorian town ever since.
Methods of production began in a more laborious and elementary manner than those of today, which involved rotating brick presses by hand to produce their shape. The original oil-fired kilns that were used to produce the very first Krause Bricks remain standing and functional to this day.
Many prominent buildings and landmarks around Stawell proudly showcase Krause Bricks, including the award-winning Stawell Steps; constructed using materials donated by Krause Bricks. A number of historically significant houses still feature the hand-pressed patterned bricks, which were a popular form of brickwork in the post war era.
Three generations of Master Brickmakers
Jack’s eldest son, Patrick, learned the traditional methods of brickmaking from his father and continued the family tradition of brickmaking after completing a degree in engineering. This tradition has now been passed to Patricks’s son, Klynton - a third generation master brickmaker who today works side-by-side with his father managing Krause Bricks and the production of our artisan clay brick product range..
It is through these generations where the traditional craftsmanship and knowledge of brick manufacturing has been passed down, with each generation of brickmaker adding their own unique innovation to create a truly unique and well-crafted product.
Product Range
Over the years, Krause Bricks has continued to refine its craft, expand operations and invest in developing new techniques to expand its product range of clay bricks and introduce new styles and colours to meet the changing needs of the construction industry.
Krause Bricks are crafted using the unique and rich clay found in the Victorian goldfields and fired in advanced kilns using traditional methods, resulting in a durable and long-lasting building material.
The wide range of brick products that Krause Bricks offers can cater to many different design needs, from traditional to contemporary, including standard bricks, paving tiles, thin bricks and more. Additionally, our bricks can be custom made to suit the unique needs of any modern residential or commercial building project.
The Krause difference
Krause Bricks has always been at the forefront of innovation and is constantly exploring new techniques and technologies to improve our product and manufacturing processes.
It’s this dedication that has earned Krause Bricks numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Wimmera Business ‘Young Leader’ award won by director Klynton Krause for his achievements in revolutionising manufacturing processes.
The success of Krause Bricks has always been attributed to the passion for our craft and our commitment to providing customers with the best possible product and service.
Sustainability, innovation and the future
While the sustainable production of clay bricks has always remained at the forefront of our ethos, 2023 marks a huge milestone in the history of Krause Bricks and our journey to sustainable brick manufacturing. From the 1st of January 2023, the total end-to-end carbon emissions of every Krause Bricks order is 100% offset. We are proud to be the first Australian brick manufacturer to be carbon neutral.
The history of Krause Bricks is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and sustainability kept at the core of the business. From humble beginnings over 75 years ago, Krause Bricks has grown and thrived, thanks to its commitment to excellence and its dedication to its customers and the environment. Krause Bricks will continue to be a driving force in the construction industry for many years to come.