Leading by Example: Master Builders Australia Chooses Recycled Materials
June 2026
When Master Builders Australia recently completed their office fitout in Barton, the goal extended beyond creating a functional workplace. As one of Australia's leading building industry organisations, MBA set out to create a space that showcased the quality of local builders, tradespeople, manufacturers and materials.
Master Builders Australia Boardroom Table in Blackbutt / Dense Browns
Recycled timber ceiling feature with recycled brick feature wall.
Working with DNA Architects and Monarch Building Solutions, the fitout was designed to demonstrate what can be achieved when quality craftsmanship and sustainable building practices are given equal priority. Recycled building materials were incorporated throughout the project, highlighting the role they can play in creating contemporary commercial spaces while reducing waste and embodied carbon.
Thor's Hammer was proud to contribute recycled timber across multiple applications, including custom boardroom tables, communal benchtops and a feature ceiling installation.
Recycled Materials Working Together
The Master Builders Australia (MBA) office in Barton recently completed their office fitout, with sustainability and a focus on recycled building materials at the forefront of the design. Alongside recycled timber, the MBA included a feature entry wall made up of recycled bricks from local Canberra homes.
Recycled timber and recycled bricks are the perfect sustainable pairing, sharing a core environmental philosophy rooted in the circular economy. Combining both materials in the MBA fitout demonstrates a complete commitment to keeping heavy, high-volume demolition waste out of Australian landfills while showcasing the potential of reclaimed materials to the building industry.
“By pairing recycled timber with salvaged bricks, the fitout demonstrates how valuable building materials can remain in circulation long after their original purpose has ended.”
A Boardroom Built for Collaboration
Our joinery workshop was busy designing and building two massive custom boardroom tables that were designed to sit together as a single meeting space.
The new boardroom table is actually two custom tables that together comfortably seat 16–20 people, adapting the bases from our T Table design. The tabletops were manufactured from recycled Blackbutt with a thickness of 60mm, while each table measures 2500 x 1300 x 750mm.
A hinged hidden compartment in both tabletops provides discreet access to power and cable management, ensuring the tables meet the practical requirements of a contemporary workplace while showcasing the beauty of recycled Australian hardwood.
Recycled Timber Throughout the Workplace
The benchtops were installed throughout the communal kitchen and breakout areas of the office. We supplied a range of benchtops in various sizes using both Blackbutt / Dense Browns and Bluegum / Coastal Reds.
By incorporating recycled timber across multiple areas of the fitout, the design creates a consistent material palette while bringing warmth and durability to spaces used every day by staff and visitors.
A Recycled Timber Ceiling Feature
A feature ceiling was created using recycled Blackbutt demolition timbers, transforming an otherwise conventional commercial interior into a warm and inviting workspace. The 90 x 40mm boards were installed as a linear ceiling feature, with the sides dressed and a rough-sawn edge of each board left exposed to celebrate the timber's previous life.
The warm tones and texture of the recycled hardwood contrast beautifully against the exposed services and dark ceiling above, creating a striking architectural feature while maintaining the industrial character of the fitout.
To bring this feature ceiling to life, the recycled demolition timber boards underwent meticulous preparation before even arriving on site.
We pre-docked the timber to the exact lengths required, including 25 complex angled cuts, saving the installation team significant time on site. Finally, all edges and ends received an aris finish, and the boards were sanded and oiled.
Reducing Embodied Carbon Through Material Reuse
By choosing recycled timber alongside salvaged bricks, the MBA office significantly reduced the embodied carbon of the fitout compared to using newly manufactured commercial materials. More importantly, the project demonstrates that reclaimed materials can be used in sophisticated contemporary workplaces without compromising on performance, aesthetics or functionality.
For architects, builders and business owners considering a new office fitout, the project serves as a practical example of how the principles of the circular economy can be successfully incorporated into commercial design.
Blackbutt / Dense Browns & Bluegum Coastal Reds Benchtops, were used throughout the office.
Planning a Sustainable Fitout?
If you're moving into new premises or revitalising your workplace, talk to your builder or architect about incorporating recycled materials into your project. Whether it's custom furniture, benchtops, feature ceilings or structural elements, recycled timber can help reduce environmental impact while creating spaces with genuine character.
We're always happy to discuss ideas and assist with material selection, design and manufacture. Contact the Thor's Hammer design and sales team to learn more.
Photography by Bianca Knox
