Keeping the Story Alive — Salvaging Canberra Local Ash for a New Home in O’Connor

October 2025

When Andrew Mitchell began planning his knockdown rebuild in O’Connor, one thing was clear — the new home had to carry the memories of the old. The house had been the centre of their family life for decades, and while it was time for a new build, Andrew wanted to preserve a tangible link to what came before.

Blackbutt recycled timber flooring, with benchtops in Canberra Local Ash salvaged from the old house.

Canberra Local Ash, salvaged from the old home in O’Connor

Salvaging Memory and Meaning

There’s no better way to keep that connection alive than by salvaging and repurposing the timber from the original home. Recycled timber carries the stories, marks, and warmth of the past, allowing them to live on in new form.

Recycling timber from a demolition site isn’t the easiest path. Once a house comes down, the timber is usually headed for landfill, as it’s seen as waste with no real commercial value. But for Andrew, its worth went far beyond dollars.

This was timber imbued with family history, and giving it a second life was both a sentimental and sustainable choice. By choosing to work with Thor’s Hammer, the old Canberra Local Ash could be de-nailed, processed, and re-milled into something entirely new, something that would stay in the family for generations to come.

Unearthing Canberra Local Ash

During the demolition, the team discovered that the roof timbers were a mix of Canberra Local Ash species, eucalypts native to the region known for lighter, paler colours and with the typical strength of Australian hardwoods. The timber came in two main sizes: 100 x 50mm (standard roof timbers or “four by twos”) and 100 x 38mm boards, which are slightly thinner.

After being processed and milled in our workshop, the salvaged timber became the basis for a series of new joinery pieces throughout the house.

From Roof Timbers to Benchtops

Andrew’s salvaged Canberra Local Ash was transformed into a suite of benchtops — for the laundry, study, bathrooms, and multi-purpose areas. Each space now features timber that once formed the bones of the original home, blending seamlessly with the new architecture while preserving the character and warmth of the old.

Even the smaller offcuts found new purpose. Rob from Affinity Kitchens and Joinery, who crafted the joinery for the home, used the remaining pieces to create open shelving throughout the new residence, creating subtle touches that continue the story of reuse and renewal.

From the start, Andrew worked with Light House Architecture & Science and DGSN Homes, both of whom share a strong commitment to sustainability. They recommended contacting Thor’s Hammer early in the design process, a decision that made all the difference.

When architects, builders, and clients collaborate from the outset, it allows for accurate planning, realistic quotes, and efficient delivery without unexpected costs or delays. A demolition contractor could be chosen in advance that was happy to save the timber (not all are), and engaging with Thor’s Hammer early meant we could book in production time to process the salvaged timber from site, store it until needed and re-mill it to specification; ensuring that the timbers recycled from the old house were ready in time for installation, keeping the build on schedule and on budget.

The result is a home that beautifully bridges the past and present, one that celebrates the old house in a very tangible way.

Blackbutt recycled timber, re-milled flooring

Blackbutt Re-milled Flooring

Alongside the salvaged Canberra Local Ash, Thor’s Hammer also supplied 70m² of re-milled Blackbutt flooring made from timbers recycled from Sydney houses into the build, bringing a rich, honey-toned warmth underfoot. Additional Blackbutt recycled timber was also used for the kitchen benchtop, tying the interior palette together beautifully.

For those planning a similar project, allow at least 4-6 weeks for Thor’s Hammer to make recycled timber flooring. The timber goes through a careful process of sawing, solar kiln drying and milling with a tongue and groove profile to ensure quality and consistency.

Thinking of Reusing Timber in Your Build?

If you’re planning a new home, renovation, or custom fitout, and would like to incorporate recycled or salvaged timber, our team would love to help. Get in touch with our design and production team to start exploring what’s possible. From de-nailing and processing to design and joinery, Thor’s Hammer can help you create something enduring and uniquely yours.