Recycled Timber Benches Delivered to the Australian War Memorial
May 2025
A recent project for the Australian War Memorial (AWM) called for the design, manufacture, and delivery of 51 custom recycled timber benches to provide internal seating for visitors throughout the Memorial. This project combined recycled timber with carefully considered design decisions suited to one of Australia’s most important public spaces.
AWM bench with backrest
AWM bench with armrests
Recycled Timber with a Military Connection
The timber selected for this project wasn’t chosen by chance — it was carefully sourced from two former military sites, each with its own place in Australia’s defence history:
A decommissioned military aircraft hangar in Brisbane, once part of the nation’s aviation infrastructure
A timber bridge in Queensland, originally built by Diggers, previously serving regional communities and military logistics alike
By salvaging timber from these locations, the project not only provided the sturdiness and longevity essential for high-traffic public seating but also introduced a tangible link to Australia’s military past. Integrating these materials into the Australian War Memorial adds a layer of meaning beyond function — honouring the sites and the people connected to them while giving the timber a new purpose within a national place of remembrance.
Three Custom Bench Designs for Public Use
The Australian War Memorial required a variety of seating options to suit different visitor needs and gallery spaces. Working with Zenith Interiors, Thor’s Hammer made three tailored bench designs, each balancing practicality with understated design:
Benches with armrests
Benches with backrests
Benches with both armrests and backrests
Each piece was crafted for strength and comfort, ensuring it would perform well in high-traffic areas while complementing the Memorial’s architectural finishes.
AWM bench with armrest and backrest
A Thoughtfully Crafted Addition to a National Place of Remembrance
This project represents more than just the delivery of functional, high-quality recycled timber seating. It’s a considered contribution to one of Australia’s most significant public spaces — using materials with authentic military connections and finishes that respectfully reflect the Australian Defence Force’s visual heritage.
For us, it’s always about pairing the right materials with the right setting — and in this case, the result is a collection of furniture that quietly honours the past while supporting the Memorial’s role as a place of reflection and national memory.
Transform Your Space with Sustainable Recycled Timber
Looking for recycled timber furniture or fit-out solutions for your public or commercial space?
We can supply recycled timber, indoor and outdoor seating solutions for galleries, cafes, museums, bars, clubs or any commercial office fit out.
Our solutions are durable and sustainable, with minimal upkeep required, so get in touch to start a conversation today. We’d love to hear from you.
Photography Bianca Knox
