Growing a tree in a machine in one day with Geoffrey Swinbourne
Crafted Hardwoods is an Australian manufacturer using 3RT’s advanced technology to supply our hardwood innovation to the commercial and residential construction market. Through science and engineering, we convert sustainably sourced, low-value pulp grade resources into premium hardwoods with the look, feel and properties of 100-year-old trees.
What is the vision of Crafted Hardwoods and how did it come about?
We’re out to change the way people think about timber. As a forward-thinking team, we share a deep commitment to sustainability that drives every step of our process – from responsibly sourcing materials to incorporating advanced robotics in manufacturing. We believe high-quality timber can be created without depleting natural resources, and we see innovation as the key to achieving this.
Our vision is deeply connected to a sense of responsibility to future generations. All of us are parents, and having children reshaped our perspective on sustainability in a powerful way. It’s one thing to talk about a sustainable future, but when you have kids, or you are thinking about the future of your loved ones, it brings a sense of urgency. We’re driven by the desire to create something meaningful, a legacy that shows our children – and generations to come – that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet.
How do you grow trees in a machine?
Growing trees in a machine sounds a little sci-fi, doesn’t it? Our process uses an Australian technology to re-engineer natural wood fibres into hardwood timbers. We start with low-value juvenile wood, commonly known as pulp logs, that are rotary peeled into veneers. Rotary peeling allows us to utilise as much from each tree as possible. Using advanced robotics, we bond these veneers with a nano-glue that is water-based and formaldehyde-free. The wood fibres are layered and pressed together in a way that recreate the organic form and movement found in traditional timber, creating a durable timber that rivals anything nature has grown over decades – with a fraction of the environmental impact, and a fraction of the time. It’s all made in a day using resources that were destined to never see the construction market.
What are the varieties you produce and how can they be customised?
We offer a range of species, including Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Tasmanian Oak, White Gum and a few select imported species. Each variety can be customised to meet specific design needs in terms of colour, grain pattern, and finish. We offer finishes that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and clients can request specific treatments for extra durability or aesthetic appeal. We work closely with architects, designers, and builders to create custom wood solutions that complement their projects.
What applications can it be used for and who are the customers?
Our timbers are ready for just about anything you can throw at them – from residential and commercial interiors to furniture, cladding, and even select structural applications. We also work with furniture makers and manufacturers who value new and innovative materials. We love collaborating with our clients, hearing their ideas, and helping them understand our story and what makes our timbers unique. The Australian forestry industry is facing some of the toughest challenges in its history, impacting both supply and quality. Making the most of our existing resources is more critical than ever, and that’s exactly where we come in.
How does Crafted Hardwoods contribute to the sustainability solution?
On one hand, building a resilient and responsible supply chain is a core part of our commitment to sustainability. Sourcing from certified suppliers, using undervalued wood resources, following chain of custody, safeguarding forest health while reducing the need to harvest from old-growth forests all contribute to this commitment.
Our materials are designed to support carbon-positive building, providing an impactful solution for reducing carbon footprints in construction. But we know sustainability is much bigger than that. It isn’t just about the environmental impact – it’s about contributing to a future that benefits people, communities, and ecosystems as a whole and that’s why our commitment extends beyond our products: we’re proud partners with One Tree Planted, supporting global reforestation efforts, and we also contribute financially to various charities.
Learn more craftedhardwoods.com
Image credits: 3RT, Peter Cudlip & Crafted Hardwood