JNA GROUP’S TIMBER SERIES: EPISODE TWO WITH KRITZINGER ARCHITECTS

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Exploring the sensory and structural beauty of timber in contemporary architecture

A key part of JNA Group’s success lies in the professionals who trust us to help bring their

visions to life. In the second episode of our Timber Series, we sit down with architect Jed

Kritzinger of Kritzinger Architects and Ritz de la Bat of JNA Group to explore how timber is

seamlessly woven into their shared portfolio of work — shaping spaces with warmth, integrity,

and timeless appeal.

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MORE THAN A MATERIAL

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For both Jed and Ritz, timber is more than a building material, it’s a living, breathing medium

that evokes emotion and memory. It carries nostalgia, authenticity, and a sensory richness that

few materials can match: the smell of freshly cut wood, the texture under hand, the way light

interacts with grain and tone.

In modern architecture, where clean lines and minimalist forms often risk sterility, timber

restores a human touch. It introduces warmth and tactility, grounding design in nature. Its

physical qualities, strength, flexibility, and organic variation, allow for both subtle detailing and

expressive structural statements. Whether refined in its finish or monumental in scale, timber

tells a story through its form and use.

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A MATERIAL THAT AGES WITH GRACE

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As Ritz reflects:

“What I love about working with timber is that it tells a story that starts long before the project,

and one that ends long after the project is done.”

 

Jed echoes this sentiment, adding:

“The beautiful thing about timber is it ages gracefully over time. One has to do nothing to it, it

just gets better.”

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Timber’s natural ability to age beautifully ensures that each space gains depth and character

over time. It doesn’t fade; it evolves. For both JNA Group and Kritzinger Architects, that

enduring quality aligns perfectly with their shared philosophy of creating buildings that feel

authentic and timeless, not driven by trends but grounded in craftsmanship.

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COLLABORATIONS THAT TELL A STORY

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The collaboration between JNA Group and Kritzinger Architects has resulted in a number of

projects that celebrate the expressive potential of timber. Each project interprets the material differently, responding to place, form, and purpose yet all share an appreciation for balance,

proportion, and warmth.

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Some of their standout collaborations include:

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● Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek | Photographer Nicolas Mathéus

● House Somerset, Somerset West | Photographer Karl Rogers Photography

● Farmhouse Constantia, Cape Town | Photographer Karl Rogers Photography

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Each space is distinct, yet all are united by the honest expression of material and the artistry of

construction.

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Watch the Full Episode on Youtube

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Through the Timber Series, JNA Group continues to explore how timber is redefining modern

architecture, not only as a sustainable and versatile material but as one deeply connected to

craft, context, and emotion.

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Watch the full episode featuring Jed Kritzinger and Ritz de la Bat, now live.

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