Alastair Flynn
February 25, 2026
Alastair Flynn talks about the extraordinary new University of Tasmania campus, The Forest. This stunning project, in the centre of Hobart's CBD, includes a glass forest dome, with over 3,500 plants including mature trees and a disappearing tarn. Through the reuse of original materials and the use of low-carbon construction methods, including timber and carbon-negative Hempcrete, the Forest is Australia’s first carbon-neutral university campus.
Hunter Huon Valley: Where guests are surrounded by timber, trees and stars
January 21, 2026
When Ben Hunt and his family left Melbourne for Tasmania's Huon Valley, they were looking for the perfect place to build an accommodation business and a place to call home. That search led them to build Hunter Huon Valley, three intimate cabins in Glen Huon, and to make a material choice that would define every aspect of the guest experience: Tasmanian timber.
Sylvie Restaurant: Where Tasmanian Timber Meets Local Flavour
January 12, 2026
Walking into Sylvie, you're immediately enveloped by the warm, aromatic scent of Huon pine, a fitting welcome to a restaurant where everything speaks of Tasmania. From the seafood on the plate to the timber beneath your elbows, chef and owner Martin Dreyer has created a space that's a genuine reflection of the island's natural bounty.
Broadwaters by Studio Ilk: A 1970s Revival Through Timber and Thoughtful Design
November 17, 2025
In Hobart’s picturesque waterside suburb of Sandy Bay, a remarkable 1970s home has been lovingly restored by Studio Ilk, bringing together a passion for original architecture, local craftsmanship, and the warmth of Tasmanian timber.
Honeyworks House: How Blackwood and considered design created a home that hasn't aged in ten years
November 3, 2025
When architect Paul Butterworth was commissioned to design Honeyworks House a decade ago, the brief was clear: create a modest, garden-oriented home for empty nesters returning from North Queensland to Brisbane that would sit comfortably amongst its mid-century modern neighbours. What emerged was a masterclass in how authentic materials, particularly Tasmanian Blackwood, can transform a house built on a tight budget into a warm, enduring home, that has gained a cult following.
Built to age gracefully: Spring Beach House, the little cottage that glows.
October 27, 2025
Nestled along the rugged Tasmanian coastline of Spring Beach, a modest 100 square metre retreat demonstrates how thoughtful material choices can create extraordinary spaces. Designed by Scale Architecture for two sisters seeking a grounded, warm little space to spend time with their loved ones, the Spring Beach House is a masterclass in local sourcing and the artful application of Tasmanian timber.
Structural Timber: Radiata beams, the hero of Warwick Street House by Dock4 Architects
August 6, 2025
In the heart of West Hobart, Warwick Street House is a story of timeless materiality and contemporary transformation. Dock4 Architects have reimagined a classic 1900s Federation home to better suit the needs of a growing family, drawing light, warmth and life deep into the residence with the expressive use of timber.
Carcassonne by FMD Architects
July 28, 2025
Located in Melbourne’s south-east, a once-obscured 1920s heritage-listed house has been transformed into a layered, light-filled family home. Carcassonne, designed by Fiona Dunin and the team at FMD Architects, is a sensitive yet bold alteration and addition that draws on the history of its site, the heritage of its occupants, and the timeless warmth of Tasmanian Oak. From the street, Carcassonne presents a walled façade, a respectful nod to the historic Cité de Carcassonne in southern France, which inspired the name and the architecture. The new addition, concealed behind a contemporary reinterpretation of the wall, reveals a richly articulated roofline that hints at the life and light within.
Timber, Community & Care: Aged Care Facilities by Cykel Architecture
July 16, 2025
Cykel Architecture is redefining aged care design in Tasmania, bringing warmth, sustainability, and a deep connection to local materials through their work on OneCare’s portfolio of aged care facilities across Tasmania, including the latest Barossa Park Lodge and OneCare Kingston (Bishop Davies Court). A key feature of these projects is the extensive use of Tasmanian Oak, a material chosen not only for its aesthetic and functional qualities but also for its role in fostering a homely and inviting environment for residents.
Villa Løken by Oslotre: A Testament to Sustainable Timber Architecture
June 30, 2025
Nestled amongst the serenity of a small island outside of Oslo, Norway lies a vision of sustainable residential architecture - the Hosla project. A testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design and considered materials, this hidden timber gem seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while embodying a blend of tradition and craftsmanship. Spearheaded by project manager Jørgen Tycho and the creative minds at Oslotre, a renowned timber design firm based in Oslo, the Hosla project unfolds a compelling narrative whereby, embracing timber as a regenerative building material, we unlock a pathway to a more sustainable future.
Valley Wood Project - Pioneering Timber Innovation in Norway
May 26, 2025
In 2019, the completion of Oslotre’s Valley Wood project marked a significant milestone in Norway's architectural landscape. Standing as the largest and tallest timber office building in the country, this seven-story structure pushed the boundaries of timber construction, showcasing innovation and precision in design and execution. Known for pushing the boundaries in timber architecture, Oslotre’s Valley Wood building serves as a testament to the advancement of construction techniques and highlights Oslotre's expertise in timber construction and their commitment to healthy, durable and sustainable architecture.
Golden Light and Timeless Warmth: Nebraska House by Lara Maeseele Celebrates Tasmanian Oak
May 14, 2025
Tucked along the coastal northern tip of Bruny Island, Tasmania, Nebraska House is an architectural homage to light, landscape, and local materials, most notably, the refined, golden warmth of Tasmanian Oak. Designed by Belgian-born, Tasmania-based architect Lara Maeseele, the home represents a culmination of her values: sustainable design, strong materiality, and deep respect for place. Following the success of her award-winning Killora Bay project, also on Bruny Island, Lara was approached by the clients with a bold yet clear brief: create a spacious, light-filled family retreat using timber, with a particular emphasis on authenticity and durability. The result is a home where Tasmanian Oak is not just a material, but a unifying design language.
Echo House: A thoughtful tribute to Australian modernism with Tasmanian Oak
April 14, 2025
Echo House, designed by Adelaide-based architectural practice Parabolica, beautifully demonstrates how modern design can harmoniously integrate with local materials to create a timeless living environment. Inspired by Australian modernism and mid-century architecture, the project embraces design principles that emphasise light, texture, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Central to the success of the design is the use of Tasmanian Oak, a material that not only elevates the aesthetic but also aligns with the home's sustainability goals. Echo House reinterprets a cherished family home through the lens of Australian modernist ideals. The extensive application of Tasmanian Oak, with its subtle beauty and versatile qualities, plays a crucial role in shaping a space that feels both warm and inviting while maintaining a sense of timelessness. This project exemplifies how mindful material choices and sustainable design practices can work in harmony, resulting in a home that not only performs beautifully but also speaks to its sense of place.
The Shed by Wardle
February 26, 2025
The Shed at the University of Tasmania by Wardle is a pioneering example of sustainable construction and the third instalment of the university’s Northern Transformation Program in Launceston. It embodies the university’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through innovative timber use and low-carbon materials. A key sustainability initiative was the use of Eucalyptus nitens, a fast-growing plantation species initially cultivated for pulp. The project repurposed this timber for structural elements, veneers, and linings, showcasing the potential of locally sourced materials in large-scale, low-carbon construction.
Tasmanian Blackwood in Luxury Lodge - Southern Ocean Lodge by RW Joiners
October 30, 2024
Celebrated around the world as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia, the new iteration of Southern Ocean Lodge chose Tasmanian Blackwood as the hero material of their interiors.
Sauna Boat Tasmania by DB Building Co.
October 9, 2024
It’s just 7 degrees as the sun peaks over the moody Tasmanian horizon. Native birds begin their morning calls as the orange light begins to dance across the icy waters between Kettering and Bruny Island. While most are enjoying the Tasmanian sunrise with a hot cuppa in the comfort of their home, a new Tasmanian experience offers the more adventurous “a serene escape from the ordinary.” Calmly floating atop the gently lapping waters of Oyster Cove Marina, is Sauna Boat Tasmania. Carefully positioned and constructed on a purpose-built boat, the 80-degree state-of-the-art sauna is complemented by an ocean water plunge area that invites a truly immersive experience. Tasmanian timbers were specified for their durability and radiating beauty, perfectly matching the warmth from within.
St. Lukes Flagship wellness hub by Terroir
September 23, 2024
St. Lukes is a Tasmanian-based private health insurance company with a mission to help Tasmania become the healthiest island on the planet. Having been in business for 70 years, their newly formed health and wellness hub in the heart of Hobart offers its members and the public a range of health and wellbeing-focused activities from yoga to new-parent classes and everything in between. Award-winning Tasmanian architectural firm Terroir was tasked with a brief to create a health-conscious space that would also inspire, draw new people in, and create excitement around their brand. With tight constraints from the existing building, Terroir drew inspiration locally and abroad, creating a health hub with a design that is world-leading and Tasmanian-inspired.
Heirloom House by studio mkn
September 9, 2024
After setting up her Melbourne-based interior design practice 6 years ago, Meredith Nettleton has been involved in many residential projects showcasing her eye for detail and commitment to excellent and enduring design. Her most recently completed home, Heirloom House, is included in this project list. As the name suggests, the post-war era home had been in the family for generations, and its design, charm, and materials were deeply cherished. Tasked with bringing the beloved family home into the 21st century without compromising beloved design elements, studio mkn played with a timeless and natural material palette. Masterfully creating a space that pays homage to the past while meeting the needs of a young family, the home is rich with texture and warmth and holds space for new and lasting memories to be made for generations to come.
