Hot soup, inviting design
October 4, 2018
To expand into a second location in Melbourne, owner of Laksa King Restaurant, Esmond Wong, sought out Urbourne Architecture and Crown Shopfitters to create a stylish and warm new interior. To achieve this inviting new look, Tasmanian timber dowels were used in a unique and stylish way throughout.
Where aesthetics and sustainability collide: The Surrey House renovation
September 18, 2018
On the fringe of Hobart’s CBD, clad in brown brick and cement slabs stands Surrey House. Built in 1978 the exterior is still reminiscent of the time and style in which it was built. But forty years after its doors opened, hidden behind this boxy and retro façade, is the new Surrey House featuring three new state of the art office fit-outs for Pitt & Sherry, Aldanmark and Ray White, where aesthetics and sustainability collide. Unknowingly paying tribute to the building’s beginnings, Tasmanian hardwoods are featured beautifully throughout.
Breathing life and luxury into one of Tasmania’s untouched pieces of history
September 14, 2018
Nestled amongst the pristine wilderness in the heart of Tasmania rests a magnificent piece of architectural history that sat dormant for decades. It is now one of Tasmania’s most exclusive and sought-after accommodation sites.
Prahran’s Mount Erica Hotel restored to former glory with roughly polished edge
September 12, 2018
An institution in one of Melbourne’s most beloved neighbourhoods, Mount Erica Hotel is fully restored by renowned designers Bergman & Co, returning the hotel back to its former glory with a modern twist.
Tasmanian Oak dowel: functional, decorative… art.
August 27, 2018
“This humble material is elevated to a higher level as it blurs the boundaries between the functional, the decorative and art,” says FMD Architects, Fiona Dunin of the Tasmanian Oak dowel in this incredible residential project. “The dowel establishes a consistent design approach through each space while varying its function in each instance.”
Salamanca Building: a contemporary workplace that reflects the strong identity of Tasmania
July 25, 2018
With a 5 Green Star rating, Tasmania's new Salamanca Building serves as a benchmark for green-building while showcasing the natural beauty of Tasmanian timbers, and the talent of Tasmanian designer/makers.
RACT’s new vessel combines luxury and sustainability to offer an immersion into the wild
July 17, 2018
Tasmania’s wild west. The natural wonder and pristine beauty of this corner of the state has remained somewhat of a mystery to many due to its remote location. Wanting to reveal this UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area to more people while respecting the sanctity of this remote land, RACTs Gordon River Cruises has recently launched the maiden voyage of the ‘Spirit of the Wild’, the newest vessel in their fleet of public cruises. Paying homage to local designers, builders and artisans to create the crown jewel of their fleet, Tasmanian materials were also chosen where possible making Tasmanian Timber an obvious choice.
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions: taking their cues from nature.
July 12, 2018
The new RACT Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions offer an immersive accommodation experience within the coastal bush of the Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s East Coast. Designed by Liminal Studio, and built by Cordwell Lane, the Waterfront Pavilions take their cues from nature.
The sentinel on the edge of a cliff: Captain Kelly’s Cottage
July 11, 2018
Perched atop a very large cliff on a remote island sits the cottage of mercantile adventurer Captain Kelly, looking out to sea. Untouched since the early 1830's a Tasmanian architect has
Tasmanian Timber Masterclasses Online
July 4, 2018
Two free masterclasses, Working with Tasmanian Timber and Timber for Internal Applications, designed specifically for architects, interior designers, specifiers, builders, and joiners, are now available online.
Masterclass - Working with Tasmanian Timber
July 4, 2018
This seminar is designed for builders, joiners and those working with timber. It covers the species of Tasmanian timber available and their source of supply, major characteristics and product range. It will then discuss essential aspects of timber storage and handling practice for preparing and assembling major architectural and timber-rich components. As timber is a natural material, the wood moisture content (MC) and its management are critical to successful production and installation. Guidance will be provided on this and similar issues, suitable finishes, grade definitions and suppliers.
Masterclass - Tasmanian Timber for Internal Applications
July 4, 2018
This seminar is designed for architects, interior designers and anyone specifying timber. It covers the species of Tasmanian timber available and their source of supply, major characteristics and product range, before discussing essential detailing and specification practice for major architectural applications. As timber is a natural material, its slight movement in response to surrounding environmental conditions calls for clear design approaches. Guidance will be provided on this and similar issues, suitable finishes, grade definitions and suppliers.
Jon Goulder breaks the mould with his all Australian Innate Collection for Spence & Lyda
July 3, 2018
Fourth-generation Australian furniture designer-maker Jon Goulder has pushed the envelope with materials and methods, creating the bespoke 'Innate' collection in collaboration with renowned Sydney design retailer, Fiona Lyda of Spence & Lyda. The first iteration of the Innate collection features moody dark tones and celebrates the use of Australian materials including the use of Tasmanian Oak and Blackwood.
Innate Night
July 2, 2018
"I'm proud to be the designer that's bringing Australian Timbers to this industry." - Jon Goulder, Jon Goulder Design Studio
National Tasmanian Timber Masterclass Series: Book Now
June 23, 2018
A series of Tasmanian Timber Masterclasses are scheduled to take place in late June in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. The masterclasses are designed specifically for architects, interior designers, builders and joiners, and will provide information on Tasmanian timber species, their supply, characteristics and product range. Book now.
Our niche: to create projects that speak of this place
June 16, 2018
Architect Robert Morris-Nunn tries to use timber in every project. "The fact that it is a warm, living material means that people relate to it. If you think of Tasmania, it is the quality timbers that are here, and they should be used. It's a locally available resource. They're not used nearly enough, and they speak of this place like nothing else.
Phat Fish – contemporary, timeless, quintessentially Tasmanian.
June 13, 2018
“Phat” is slang for cool. And in Hobart’s newest bar and seafood restaurant, Phat Fish, the owners have created a luxurious but inviting atmosphere that is just that - cool.
Restaurant Orana: Where innovative Australian design and cuisine meet
June 1, 2018
Grounded by a focus on the natural landscape and local ingredients, Adelaide’s highly acclaimed Restaurant Orana combines the incredible talents of chef Jock Zonfrillo and furniture designer-maker Lex Stobie, to create a unique, organic dining experience that pays homage to indigenous Australia.
Designer Spotlight: Furniture Designer and Master Craftsman Will Marx
June 1, 2018
For award-wining Australian furniture designer and master craftsman, Will Marx, there is no greater joy than a day spent in his workshop, building a piece of furniture with his bare hands. When you admire his creations, each of them honouring the tree from which it’s crafted in a true labour of love, it’s not hard to see why Will’s work has earned him the esteemed title of Master Craftsman.
Redefining Outside In: The Valley House in Tasmania
June 1, 2018
Resting high on a hillside on Launceston’s rural fringe at St Leonard's, Valley House is far from a stereotypical Australian bush dwelling. Its mix of cement sheet, steel cladding and local timbers immediately signals a fresh point of view that is a true celebration of place. Tasmanian architect Philip M Dingemanse redefines the clichéd notion of “outside-in” through his clever design and respect for the natural surrounds. Inspired by the landscape, the award-winning house is bent around the contour of a valley as if to welcome it in. The use of locally sourced Tasmanian timber throughout the home conveys a tactile and natural warmth, where visitors seamlessly transition from inside to outside.