A John Wardle first, the crown jewel to Launceston’s Inveresk Library. Forming what was once part of Tasmania’s largest industrial site, Launceston’s Inveresk area is fast becoming the beating, cultural heart of the city.

From Australia to London and back again, Tasmanian born Brodie Neill’s celebrated homecoming featuring Tasmanian timbers. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Brodie again at Melbourne Design Week. Exhibiting the stunning design and craft of the ReCoil table, Neill also brought along the Atlas Table, a piece derived from his self-designed and self-produced furniture brand, Made in Ratio. While the look and design of both ReCoil and Atlas couldn’t be more different, they both have one thing in common. The tables have been crafted from the beloved reclaimed resource pulled from a remote lake in Tasmania’s wild west; Hydrowood.

Impeccably designed and crafted, ‘Relatively Useful’ acknowledges Australia’s design greats. What do you get when you combine two of Australia’s great design minds with over twenty-five of Victoria and Tasmania’s top makers? Relatively Useful. A collection of twenty-five objects designed by John Wardle and Simon Lloyd and expertly crafted by some of Australia’s leading craftspeople. Making its debut at Melbourne Design Week at the Heide Museum of Modern Art at the end of March, and is now open until the third of April.

“We’re very much known for the big picture right down to the detail, and I think designing into a new place where we’re going to live, it was very important that the studio express what we are, where we’re going and what we do. We are on a pathway towards becoming carbon neutral, and so the selection of the materials was really important to us. Both for the physicality of the material, what it offers in terms of that carbon neutrality and the journey, but also what it says to our clients. Tasmanian timber offers such a wide range of products for many, many different uses, so tends to be our go-to to start with, but also we get great support from the local industry. We can actually talk to the owners, the designers, the craftsmen of the products, and say, what about? how can we do this? what’s your opinion? It’s always that openness to explore, and if they don’t know, there’s always someone down there on the end of the line that can give us those answers. The entry wall and the ceiling are all solid Tas Oak profiles, so it’s very much built like a stud wall with bearers and bracing, but we just closed up the centres and then got a bit smart, so we did all the engineering and cutting of the works with the CNC machines and all the fixings come from the back, so it’s a very fine combination of a great product and some smart engineering. We worked with Simon Ancher. Simon’s a Launceston-based furniture designer. Fantastic portfolio work, easy person to work with, can-do attitude. We’ve got some lovely pieces in all our work stools scattered around the studio, some meeting room furniture with leather cushions, and then all our breakout spaces as well, done by Simon. One of the key decisions was the floor and being an architectural studio, there are endless choices of materials. It’s a Tas Oak floor, but it’s laid on a plywood backing. It’s an efficient use of timber, we weren’t wasting a valuable resource. Fantastic for an office environment in that it gave us a great speed of delivery, so the planks arrived, they were laid, they’re pre-finished, we didn’t have to worry about sanding floors and that made it possible to put it into a work environment on a very large area, where it’s over 700 square metres of the flooring here, in an efficient time. The light colours that the Tassie Oak offers allow reflected light back up onto the ceiling and back indirectly into the workspace, and then into the evenings, the warmer tones are picked up in the Tassie Oak and it really enhances that comfort, warmth. People actually now come in and visit and say, wow, look at that timber floor. Yeah, right. Why did we always start putting carpet into working environments? It seems a crazy thing to do.” James Fitzpatrick (Principal), Fitzpatrick + Partners (Sydney)

Hydrowood: a vast resource reclaimed. Consumers are taking an increasing interest in the provenance of products. As such, the brand story has become an essential and valuable component of the marketing mix. Building materials with history, authenticity and a story to tell are being placed at a premium (Sanctuary Magazine). Hydrowood has that story in spades. Thirty years ago, Hydro Tasmania flooded forests on Tasmania’s west coast to create water storage for energy production. In those hydroelectric dams, forests of 200-1000-year-old trees are still standing, submerged beneath the water. Thanks to innovative harvesting and processing methods, this valuable timber is now being reclaimed from the depths – it’s aptly called Hydrowood. Your hosts – Professor Gregory Nolan from the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood from the University of Tasmania and Andrew Morgan, Managing Director at SFM Forest Products/Hydrowood. About the Tasmanian Timber webinar series: This webinar series is a valuable resource for architects, builders, specifiers, interior designers, furniture designer and makers, shop-fitters, and construction firms to learn more about using Tasmanian Timber in their projects. Hosted by Professor Gregory Nolan (University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood), Greg is often joined by experts in their respective field as he explores the properties and applications of Tasmanian Timbers. Grown locally and sustainably, Tasmanian timber is processed to the highest standards and backed by the technical support of Australia’s leading timber experts. Learn more: https://tasmaniantimber.com.au/webinars

Tasmanian veneers have long been sought after for a variety of applications with some stunning examples of the capability of the product in beautiful furniture and custom doors and cabinetry. Veneer has traditionally been revered for its uniformity. The matchless repetition created by thinly slicing timber from one larger piece was sought after for cabinetry and linings, particularly in large commercial fit-outs.

Maximising the value from every log, Tasmanian Timber Engineered Flooring is expertly manufactured from sustainably grown Tasmanian Oak. Each harvested log is carefully milled to ensure the resource is stretched to its maximum potential to get the most out of the material. Using state-of-the-art technology and practices to create a stunning material, the result is a product that is durable, stable and a thing of beauty.

Join Tasmanian Timber as we cover the wide range of Tasmanian Timber moulding applications available on the market to transform your next residential or commercial fit-out.

Responsible Wood chain of custody allows consumers to trace Tasmanian wood products back to their sustainable source; sustainability, the legality of timber and chain of custody are on the lips of all who work in the Tasmanian forest and timber industry. And for Tasmanians, Chain of Custody is a big deal. Learn More: https://wearetastimber.com/ & https://tasmaniantimber.com.au/ About the Tasmanian Timber webinar series: This webinar series is a valuable resource for architects, builders, specifiers, interior designers, furniture designer and makers, shop-fitters, and construction firms to learn more about using Tasmanian Timber in their projects. Hosted by Michael Lee (Senior Technical Officer at the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood), Michael is often joined by experts in their respective field as he explores the properties and applications of Tasmanian Timbers. Grown locally and sustainably, Tasmanian timber is processed to the highest standards and backed by the technical support of Australia’s leading timber experts. Learn more: https://tasmaniantimber.com.au/webinars

Tasmanian Oak is the preferred hardwood for a wide range of applications; scantlings, panelling, flooring, glulam spans, veneers, plywood, furniture. Fibre for reconstituted board and the production of high-quality paper. It works extremely well and produces an excellent finish. It can be used in all forms of construction as scantlings, panelling and flooring, and can be glue-laminated to cover long spans. Veneers, plywood and engineered products are also available. It is also a popular furniture timber, and eucalypt fibre is sought after for reconstituted board and production of high-quality paper. Tasmanian Oak is light in colour, varying from straw to reddish brown with intermediate shades of cream to pink. It is recognised for its excellent staining qualities, which allow ready matching with other timbers, finishes or furnishings. Tasmanian Oak flooring is available in two aesthetic grades – Prime and Classic. Tasmanian Oak Classic is a high feature grade, visually enhanced by the natural characteristics of timber. Tasmanian Oak Prime provides minimal feature. Learn more: https://tasmaniantimber.com.au/species/tasmanian-oak/ About the Tasmanian Timber webinar series: This webinar series is a valuable resource for architects, builders, specifiers, interior designers, furniture designer and makers, shop-fitters, and construction firms to learn more about using Tasmanian Timber in their projects. Hosted by Michael Lee (Senior Technical Officer at the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood), Michael is often joined by experts in their respective field as he explores the properties and applications of Tasmanian Timbers. Grown locally and sustainably, Tasmanian timber is processed to the highest standards and backed by the technical support of Australia’s leading timber experts. Learn more: https://tasmaniantimber.com.au/webinars

Blackwood is the perfect timber for fine furniture, joinery or a feature floor, radiating a subtle beauty that makes it irresistible to designers. High-quality veneers are used in joinery, cabinet-making and feature panelling.

A durable and tough timber that provides a hard-wearing surface for flooring and an attractive fine-grained appearance with feature knots and figure for a beautifully unique character in furniture.

A striking timber that makes an excellent veneer and finishing timber used in high-quality furniture, joinery, cabinet-making and feature panelling in homes and offices, or as a finishing timber for cornices, architraves and skirting.

All Tasmanian timbers are available in veneers in both sheet and lay-ups for a whole myriad of applications: veneer on sheet, veneer on MDF, veneer on ply – everything that you’d ever want to compliment your solid-wood line is available.

Tasmanian Oak is the preferred hardwood for a wide range of applications; scantlings, panelling, flooring, glulam spans, veneers, plywood, furniture. Fibre for reconstituted board and the production of high-quality paper.

The Tasmanian Timber Quality Assurance Program assesses nominated products for Australian Standards compliance through a quarterly mill audit. Buyers can trust that the guaranteed products from our suppliers come from a company that employs sustainable practices, holds Chain-of-Custody, and Responsible Wood accreditation

“Furniture should never be seen as a fashion statement. Things have to have a story, resonate with you, and actually have meaning to you.” “It’s just not sustainable for us to be importing everything we sell. So that’s why it’s important if we’re making here, to use our woods, and so we do… especially with so much talent here, so much great raw product, why wouldn’t we?” — Fiona Lyda, Spence & Lyda

“There is that layer to sustainability that is about not overt use of energies and maintaining the materials of the planet. For me, it’s more that, the piece itself will live forever and not be thrown out, which is its own story I guess.” — Fiona Lyda, Spence & Lyda

“The Innate Collection” became about who we are as Australian’s. We were trying to understand and drill down to what is innate in an Australian.” – Fiona Lyda, Spence & Lyda

“If I’m going to take a collection of furniture to the World then I want to represent Australia, I wouldn’t import timber from America or Europe; I’m representing my country, and Tasmanian timbers are renown for their beauty and accessibility; it’s a great fit.” — Jon Goulder, Designer + Maker

“There’s an essential environmental custodianship now. So, how do we sustainably use the resources that we have? How do we express through design the most beautiful articulation of those timbers in form, and how do we celebrate the local in a sustainable fashion? We use local because it talks to the story that we’re telling, which is essentially an Australian one.” — Lou Weis, Broached Commissions

“This collection is easily the best work I’ve ever done. It has such a deeper meaning and feeling and context. I don’t think pieces like this have been made before.” – Jon Goulder, Designer + Maker

“One of the big things we’ve learned is the efficiencies of the systems; that every piece of material is used and reused. So, that whole closed system loop was really fascinating to see.” — James Fitzpatrick (Principal), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“One of the great things is the helpline. How do I finish this product? How should I detail it? I want to do this; what do you think I could use? What species should I use? Or, I’ve got this potential project, how could I go about it? It’s just an amazing resource that you could just ask any of those questions.” — James Fitzpatrick (Principal), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“I have a base knowledge and a good understanding of timber and how it’s used, but really I think this showed how little knowledge I did have and how some of that knowledge was actually wrong.” — James Fitzpatrick (Principal), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“We’ve all walked away with preconceived notions dispelled and our knowledge level has just gone through the roof.” — Paul Reidy (Partner), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“The timber space is now moving into the innovation space and this old tried and tested material that we’ve been using for thousands of years is actually now moving into a space where it is cutting edge. To understand the process now in Tasmania, and just the sheer range of product that they’re creating is pretty impressive.” — Rod Pindar (Partner), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“We want to make sure that what we’re specifying is sustainable. What sort of certifications do they have and how are they grown and where are they grown? That’s all so important. To understand the process now in Tasmania and to then also better understand the systems behind that and how it is being done in an environmentally responsible manner, that gives you a lot more comfort to then go ahead and specify the product and use it in your design.” — Rod Pindar (Partner), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“Wellness is becoming a very big thing, certainly a big focus in commercial work. What can the building do to help those inside it, as well as the planet? And I think that overlay brings timber to the fore.” — Paul Reidy (Partner), Fitzpatrick + Partners

“There’s such a variety in Tasmanian Timbers. In the palette, in the density and in the strength. It has everything to offer. I don’t think I’ll use too many other timbers in my career. I don’t really see the sense.”

“I think being Australian is about having a sense of place, a connection to the nature we’re surrounded by. I’m quite patriotic in that sense”

“As an Australian and as I began to exhibit more internationally I thought, If I’m showing my work in Milan or New York why would I use timber from another country”

“Consumers can confidently use Tasmanian Timbers, knowing that they are certified under a global standard and are locally being managed under a very rigorous forest practices system” – Andrew Morgan (SFM Environmental Solutions)

“Tasmanian Timber. It’s a story you can touch. It’s a story you can hold, a story you can bring to a building” – James Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick+Partners

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.

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.

“I’m proud to be the designer that’s bringing Australian Timbers to this industry.” – Jon Goulder, Jon Goulder Design Studio

“Boatbuilding techniques, cold-moulding and strip planking. – It’s really quite amazing what you can do with timber” – Simon Ancher, Simon Ancher Studio

“We love using Tasmanian Timber. By using Tasmanian Oak we know that we are getting good quality timber.” – Michael Lane, Cordwell Lane

“We belong to a place and utilise the products of that place” – Robert Morris-Nunn, Circa Morris-Nunn Architects