Timber
for
Tomorrow

We are constantly searching for innovative materials we can use to create sustainable, beautiful, and well-designed spaces. It may surprise people to learn that timber, one of the most time-honored building materials, has re-emerged as a transformative element in our architectural practice, offering unparalleled benefits in sustainability, wellbeing, and aesthetic appeal.

Harnessing Nature

Timber is a standout material for its carbon sequestration capabilities. As trees grow, they ‘sequester’ carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store the carbon; for every dry tonne of timber produced, 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide is taken from the atmosphere. This carbon remains ‘locked up’ for the life of the wood, even when it is used for building products or furniture.*

In the Barker College Maths Hub, the extensive use of timber has resulted in the offset of 780 tonnes of CO2e, estimated to equal 18 years of the building’s operational emissions.

Enhancing Human Connection

Biophilic design uses natural materials, light, vegetation, aspects and views to create healthier, more productive spaces that connect occupants with nature.
In Macquarie University’s Ainsworth Building and the Barker College Maths Hub, biophilic principles are evident in the exposed timber structures and organic finishes, which, combined with views over tree canopies, create inviting spaces that enhance concentration, productivity, and reduce stress.

Fast and Low-Impact Construction

Prefabrication methods used in our timber projects ensure fast and low-impact construction. The Macquarie University Incubator and Ainsworth Building were both designed for rapid assembly using modular prefabricated timber components. This approach not only reduces construction time but also lessens noise, vibration, and disruption, making it an ideal choice for sensitive sites. It’s like assembling a giant, eco-friendly jigsaw puzzle, where each piece fits perfectly into place with minimal fuss.

Sensory pleasures

Besides being warm and tactile, timber buildings have a distinctive smell – an unexpected highlight when the Incubator was completed in 2017. The smell of milled timber brings back memories of school woodwork, a suburban garden shed, a stable or an Asian temple.

Smell is a powerful memory-jogger and makes these contemporary timber structures even more intriguing; because while the smell is taking us back to past memories, we are actually standing in a building that has been created using the most advanced robotic fabrication methods.

*https://timbernsw.com.au/timber-in-the-carbon-economy/