Everything you need to know about Tasmanian Blackwood
November 24, 2025
wood is one of the world’s great decorative timbers, with its stunning, rich colour, texture, workability and durability. Synonymous with fine furniture, Blackwood is the ideal timber for showstopping decorative joinery, eye-catching statements in wall linings from both veneers and solid timbers and even beautiful hardwood flooring.Â
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.
Professor Greg Nolan, architect, researcher, problem solver and raconteur on the most asked questions about Tasmanian Timber.
September 17, 2025
Professor Greg Nolan arrived at the Original Thinkers podcast studio on his push bike, in his high visibility vest, a vest that has no doubt seen it’s share of building sites, sawmills and forestry coupes.Â
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.
Mitigating Climate Change - Timber as a Natural Carbon Storage Technology
June 23, 2025
Amidst the extractive nature of most construction materials, timber emerges as a beacon of regenerative quality, offering a solution to the challenges posed by climate change. Oslotre, a visionary timber design consultancy based out of Oslo, Norway, firmly believes that timber is pivotal in mitigating the current challenges of climate change. Unlike traditional building materials, timber stands out for its regenerative nature. The simple act of growing and harvesting timber represents a natural carbon store, making it a sustainable choice for construction. This regenerative quality positions timber as a material with the potential to counteract the environmental impact of other commonly used materials like concrete and steel and the team at Oslotre is on a mission to challenge the traditional norms of the built environment, one timber building at a time.
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.
Webinar: Plantation Resource in to the future
May 20, 2025
Learn about the availability of plantation timber products, both current and upcoming, that are shaping the future of construction. This session is a must-attend for builders, designers, and architects passionate about sustainable building practices that benefit both the environment and the community. Participants will gain valuable insights into sustainable building practices and the future of plantation timber in construction.
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.
Buildings as a Global Carbon Sink: Timber Construction for Climate Change Mitigation
May 5, 2025
A groundbreaking study by researchers proposes a revolutionary approach to transform urban construction from a climate threat into a powerful climate solution.
Nothing is being done anywhere else in the world that we can't do here. Timber Expert Michael Lee on building Net Zero.
May 1, 2025
Michael "Mick" Lee on the potential for net-zero buildings in Australia and the capabilities of local timber manufacturers to support this vision.
Are Net Zero Embodied Carbon Buildings Possible?Â
April 23, 2025
And why two leading experts want architects to challenge commercial office space design and start hugging columns.Â
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.
Webinar: Sustainability and Certification
April 4, 2025
This session will aim to deepen specifiers understanding of sustainable forest management practices in Tasmania. The webinar will delve into the Tasmanian Forest Practices System, which governs all forestry operations on both public and private lands, ensuring sustainable management across the state's forest estate. Participants will gain insights into the certification processes that align with internationally recognised standards, ensuring that species sourced and processed in Tasmania from certified native forests and plantations are sustainably managed.
A conversation with Dr Louise Wallis: Scientist, Senior Lecturer and Problem Solver at the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood
March 19, 2025
It was a belief that architects needed more hands-on experience that drew academic Dr Louise Wallis to Tasmania. Today Louise is a Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Tasmania.
