A Timber Transformation in Ainslie

November 2025

Tucked away in the back streets of Ainslie sits a red brick ex-govie home that has undergone a beautiful timber transformation. Builder Impression Homes, architects Lighthouse Architecture & Science, and Thor’s Hammer worked together to bring new life to the renovation.

Blackbutt re-milled flooring leading out to the deck

Blackbutt / Dense Browns

All the timber we supplied was recycled Blackbutt / Dense Browns, a hard and durable species suitable for both internal and external applications.

Blackbutt performs exceptionally well outdoors, making it ideal for decking and cladding. Its density and strength also make it a popular choice for bench tops, flooring, and furniture, while the soft mid-brown tones complement a wide range of interiors and finishes.

Originally, the owners and builder had requested Ironbark for the decking. Ironbark’s durability makes it a great option for outdoor areas, but due to the timing of the project and the nature of the salvage process, we couldn’t guarantee the quantities required.

Recycled timber availability depends on what demolition companies salvage and send to our yard. Once the timber arrives, our team sorts it by species and grades it for future use. Because of this process, we sometimes suggest alternatives that suit both the design intent and the project timeline.

In this case, Blackbutt proved to be an excellent alternative, providing the desired durability and creating a consistent look and feel across the home.

Blackbutt re-milled flooring - 78 x 18mm. Tongue & Groove profile.

Recycled Timber Supply

A variety of sizes were used throughout the project, all in the same recycled Blackbutt / Dense Browns:

40 x 40mm for the front pergola, carport screens, and handrail battens
140 x 18mm for the deck privacy screen and handrail caps
83 x 18mm for the re-milled decking boards
78 x 18mm for the interior flooring, our standard re-milled floorboards with tongue and groove profiles for a seamless fit
40 x 20mm for the side gate
280 x 40mm for the deck stair treads
180 x 30mm for the front door jamb

Contact our design team today

If you’re planning a renovation, get in touch with our design team early in the process. Doing so allows us to:

Give our team enough time to source your preferred species or discuss alternatives that align with your schedule and design goals
Explore whether timber from your existing structure can be salvaged and reused in the new design

Each renovation tells its own story. This Ainslie home shows how recycled timber can bring warmth, texture, and a sense of continuity to even the most modest of spaces — proof that great design often starts with great material choices.