Claire Bennett

Rustic but refined, Tasmanian Timber brings a bushy luxury to these Queensland homes

Four years ago Architect Damian Goode founded his own firm, Hive Architecture, following a number of years at several well–known architecture firms in Brisbane. He now splits his time on projects between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The sunny skies and laid–back attitude of Queensland’s coastline is a striking contrast from the wet and wild climate that favors the growth of some of Tasmania’s finest native timbers. Specified for use in several of Damian’s latest projects, Tasmanian timber added a touch rustic luxury to two Queensland homes.

Bulimba House sees Collective collaboration

Working with the existing elements of the Bulimba House originally built in 1924, the client’s brief was to create a relaxed farm house with a modern feel. Designing the kitchen before choosing the species, Damian set off to find a cabinet maker with a meticulous eye to ensure the design would be carefully implemented. Collaborating with local joiner and expert craftsman Gareth Robertson of Blackwood Collective, Tasmanian Blackwood was decided upon for its stunning visual aesthetic that would also connect to the rest of tone and style of the home’s mid–century interior design.

“The kitchen was the most important part of the build. We wanted the cabinetry to stand on its own like a piece of furniture. When we found Gareth at Blackwood Collective, he understood what we were trying to achieve and was the perfect fit for the project, says Damian.

“When deciding upon the timber to be used in the kitchen, Gareth put forward Tasmanian Blackwood. He was so passionate about using the timber and his passion for it made the client and myself fall in love with it too,” says Damian.

The centerpiece of the home

The scrupulous attention to detail that was put into the Blackwood cabinetry is made apparent by the kitchen’s sleek lines, careful joinery and impeccable finishing. Using both Blackwood veneer and hardwood, the timber is a stand–alone element that speaks for itself. Damian says that he was proud to use it.

“We see a lot of timber local to Queensland so Tasmanian Blackwood has a really special feel for us. It has a beautiful grain and its own unique visual aesthetic from timbers more commonly used in this area. It’s nice to use something different while still being Australian. It makes us proud to use a local timber like Blackwood.”

“It’s special to have something out of Tasmania, it’s really come into its own. Whether it’s a crafted whiskey or a native timber, we’re proud to support and use materials out of Tasmania and feel that connection that’s hard to get while being geographically distant,” Damian says.

Tasmanian Oak brings a bushy elegance to Paddington House

While Tasmanian Blackwood was a timber unfamiliar to Damian before the Bulimba house, Tasmanian Oak has long held his admiration. Using Tasmanian Oak in the Paddington house, another of Hive Architecture’s recently completed restoration project in Brisbane, Damian chose Tasmanian Oak flooring throughout the home’s interior for its light and vibrant tones and interesting grain.

“We wanted to bring a lot of light into this house, especially in areas where there was not much natural light. It was also a good fit with the home’s original existing timbers,” says Damian.

“Tasmanian Oak has a soft but vibrant tone and a nice amount of variation. That difference seen in the grain creates a bushy elegance that connects well with our design aesthetic.”

“We always want to bring a sense of calm to our projects and work to make them not too perfect looking and timber is a great material that can be used to achieve this. Timber celebrates natural variation and creates a story. You have the opportunity to play with its natural elements that really help bring out creativity.

“Timber is functional, long lasting and effortlessly brings a timeless warmth to an interior.”