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Tasmanian Timber – the most beautiful timber in the world

Renowned Australian designer-maker Jon Goulder talks about the beauty, and functionality, of Tasmanian Timber.

  • The Seed House by Fitzpatrick+Partners, Image John Gollings

For more than a century, Tasmania has been the source of some of the most beautiful and versatile timbers in the world. For designer and maker Jon Goulder, Tasmanian Timber is the only choice for his furniture, interiors and objects.

Dowel House, Image courtesy of Porta.

“We’ve got access to the most beautiful timbers in the world,” says Jon, “Tasmanian timbers are most definitely at the top of what Australia has to offer. They provide me with the palette I need, from dark chocolate to blonde and everything in between.

The natural timbers from Tasmania’s forests are the perfect choice for a variety of internal applications. Available in Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak, Celery Top Pine, Myrtle, Sassafras and Huon Pine, Tasmanian Timber offers products in the ranges of solid timber, flooring, linings, mouldings, veneer and thick-cut veneer, as well as structural products.

Celery Top Pine outdoor bench by Simon Ancher Studio, Image Courtesy of Simon Ancher Studio.

Workability and Unmatched Stability

“There is so much variety in the density, in the strength – Tasmanian Timber has everything to offer,” explains Jon, “Tasmanian Oak has the most incredible torsion. Its ability to stay straight is unmatched. I have never come across a timber that has the stability that Tasmanian Oak possesses.”

Renowned for its enduring quality, versatility and ability to take a range of finishes, Tasmanian timbers are the perfect choice for designs of the every day, from floors to fittings, as well as works of art and custom furniture pieces.

The Retreat at Pumphouse Point by JAWS Architects, Image Adam Gibson.

The Pod by JAWS Architects, Image Adam Gibson

The Retreat at Pumphouse Point by JAWS Architects, Image Adam Gibson.

Locally Grown and Produced

Not only a design marvel in terms of functionality and aesthetics, when using timber from Tasmania, it means you’re buying certified locally grown products; the best choice for sustainability and creating a smaller carbon footprint. When you buy local the timber is from a nearby forest and not being transported across the world.

“I think as architects, designers and furniture makers become more responsible; the trend will be to use local product,” says Jon. 

Woodsmith engineered flooring, Image courtesy of Neville Smith Forest Products.

Availability Now and Into the Future

Tasmanian Timber is a product of exceptional beauty from a place like nowhere else. Our small Australian island grows more than you ever imagined. Timber in Tasmania has been grown for millennia and has been available as timber for designers for over a century – and thanks to sustainable forest management practices, this will remain the case now and into the future.

Classic Grade Tasmanian Oak flooring, Image Adam Gibson.

Certified Sustainable

Timbers purchased through the Tasmanian Timber campaign suppliers are certified under Responsible Wood (PEFC) and hold Chain of Custody Certification.

This certification indicated that a timber has come from a responsibly and sustainably managed forest. Dr Wayne Tibbits, an independent auditor for forest certification explains. “Tasmania’s certified forest management practices are amongst the best in the world.”

Krakani Lumi by Taylor & Hinds Architects, Image Adam Gibson.

Quality Assured, Ongoing Expert Support 

Tasmanian Timber is backed by an independently audited Quality Assurance Program implemented by the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania.

CSAW also operates an independent expert timber helpline that provides support on choosing the right timber for the right application, obtaining quotes from suppliers, and troubleshooting throughout the project.

Like Jon, your next project or product is only enhanced through the use of some of the finest timber in the world – and like he says, “To exclusively use Tasmanian Timber is a no brainer for me. I can’t see myself using any other timbers for the rest of my career.”

 

Designer Maker Jon Goulder, Image by Casson.

Designer Maker Jon Goulder, Image by Casson.  

 

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