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Setting The Timber Bar High In Tasmania
Nestled in the charming town of Bicheno, Tasmania, (home to the best shellfish in the world) the team at Craig Howard and Son undertook an extraordinary journey that encompassed the transformation of a house into a timeless blend of modern elegance and minimalist allure.
The scope of this project was as diverse as it was exhilarating, involving the creation of bespoke pieces that included a kitchen, pantry, vanities, wardrobes, stairs, floors, and various furniture, immersing every corner of the home in a symphony of meticulous craftsmanship.
Bicheno Project Overview
General Location: Bicheno, East Coast Tasmania
- Type of Project: Kitchen, pantry, vanities, wardrobes, stairs, floors, some doors, most of the furniture, plus all joinery in the house
- Challenges Faced: Adherence to a strict timeline which meant measuring up while the building was still at stud frame stage
- Unique Elements: We have been working for this client for two decades, so the trust was established, but we had to go next level to impress
- Project Duration: One year
- Project Team: Entire Workshop Team
Undoubtedly, every grand project presents its own set of challenges, and for us, this endeavour was no exception. Our skills were tested as we grappled with a strict timeline, requiring us to measure for every element while the building was a stud frame. This was a complex process that demanded unwavering precision and attention to detail.
Design Concept
- Design Inspiration: Modern Minimalist
- Timber Selection: Whole timber component was thick veneer panels (3mm thick veneer) on MDF. Blackheart Sassafras and Solid Blackheart where specified
- Custom Features: Timber floor is Spalted Sassafras with a Blackwood and Myrtle border, all joinery, stairs etc. Blackheart Sassafras (which is unique)
Amidst the familiarity of a loyal client (two decades of collaboration), our team set out to exceed expectations. Guided by a shared history, we were inspired by the Modern Minimalist aesthetic – a design that embodies clean lines, simplicity, and a focus on natural materials. This creates a sense of elegance and tranquillity in a space.
Craftsmanship and Construction
- Traditional Techniques Used: Drawers in the floating bed will be dove-tailed
- Modern Machinery Utilised: All Martin machinery and a Centauro R800 Resaw (which we believe is the only one in the state of Tasmania)
- Team Collaboration: Everyone contributed a vital part to The Bicheno Project
For one year, the entire rhythm of our workshop resonated with the hum of creativity and dedication, as every member of our team poured their expertise and passion into bringing the client’s vision to life. The overarching design concept, rooted in a modern minimalist aesthetic, laid the foundation for the meticulous selection of timber – our thick veneer panels, Blackheart Sassafras and solid Blackheart elements, evoking a distinctive natural beauty that defined the project.
The allure of the timber extended beyond mere material; it carved a narrative of its own. The Spalted Sassafras floor, adorned with a striking Blackwood and Myrtle border, was a triumph of art and craftsmanship, casting a spell of uniqueness upon the project.
Sustainability and Quality
- Sustainable Timber Sourcing: All logs come through forestry chain of custody, then we mill and dry them ourselves. Most of the timber in the project was our thick veneer (3mm thick.) This achieves approximately 600% recovery over “solid” boards
- Finishing Process: Australian Osmo Oil on everything, including the floor
- Quality Assurance: We don’t settle for anything less than excellence
Sustainability is not merely a practice but an ethos at Craig Howard and Son. Our process begins with the hand-selection of logs through the forestry chain of custody, ensuring that our commitment to the sanctity of sustainable timber remains unwavering. Every piece of timber, meticulously milled and dried by our hands, tells a story of ethical sourcing and respect for nature, achieving a resplendent 600% recovery over “solid” boards.
When it comes to the finishing touch, every surface, every grain, is infused with Osmo Oil, enhancing the natural characteristics of the timber and offering protection against water, stains and abrasions.
Client Testimonial
- Client Feedback: He exclaimed in colourful Aussie vernacular best left to the imagination, however, the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive
- Impact On Client’s Everyday Life: The new build has enhanced his living space and lifestyle and love of their home
To paraphrase, our client was elated, with the sentiment overwhelmingly positive. “Mind-blowingly incredible!” “Beyond expectation!” and “The home I’ve always wanted,” communicates the profound impact that our work has brought to his everyday life, enriching his living space with a timeless elegance and warmth that transcends the ordinary.
Project Outcome
- Final Photos: Enjoy the gallery below
- Key Takeaways: Teamwork makes the dream work – clear and constant communication between client and crew allowed us all to operate at our optimum
Now that we are tools down on The Bicheno Project, it was our unwavering teamwork that propelled us towards our utmost potential, culminating in the transformation of our client’s dream into a resplendent reality – a harmonious blend of dedication and expertise making home life elegant, welcoming, and sustainable. If the client is happy, we’re happy!
