Hydrowood Untouched Timber

Salvaged timber from Tasmania’s west coast

Reclaimed from the depths of Tasmania’s Lake Pieman, Hydrowood provides a rare opportunity for builders and trades to work with timber that has been preserved underwater for decades. These timbers, with unique properties and character, are some of Tasmania’s most sought after and rarest timbers.

The Origin of Hydrowood

The story of Hydrowood begins in the 1971 when a hydroelectric scheme for The Pieman was established. However, in 1986 water flooded and filled up Lake Pieman, submerging vast forests that stood for centuries. 25 years later, Andrew Morgan and David Wise were flying over north-west Tasmania when they saw trees protruding out of a number of lakes.

What they found was the largest quantity of specialty native trees hidden in the deep, tannin-stained waters. Species such as Huon Pine, Tasmanian Myrtle, and Sassafras remained preserved in an oxygen-free environment, preventing decay and maintaining their structural integrity.

Harvesting these submerged timbers required groundbreaking underwater logging technology. The team used specially designed barges and skilled operators to carefully extract the timber without disturbing the lake’s ecosystem.

This was the world’s first underwater forestry operation, a big leap forward in innovation and sustainability.

Characteristics of Hydrowood

Hydrowood offers a variety of rare and specialty timber species, each with unique characteristics for a range of applications. Some example include;

• Tasmanian Myrtle: Known for its fine grain, with warm tones, Tasmanian Myrtle is a hardwearing timber suitable for high-traffic areas and ideal for furniture, flooring, lining boards, fit out, architraves, cabinetry and joinery.
• Sassafras: Featuring distinctive grain patterns and occasional blackheart streaks, Sassafras is highly sought after for custom cabinetry, lining, furniture, fitout and joinery.
• Hydrowood Oak: A blonde timber pulled from the bottom of the lake, Hydrowood Oak is ideal for interior fitout, cladding, flooring, lining, specialty furniture and cabinetry.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Hydrowood’s underwater harvesting has a minimal environmental footprint. All logs are salvaged and not live at the time of harvesting. The process avoids harming standing forests, and every piece of timber harvested from The Pieman River has a story to tell.

Applications in Construction

Hydrowood’s versatility makes it suitable for various applications, from residential to commercial projects:

• Residential Projects: Depending on species, Hydrowood is suitable for interior projects including flooring, fitouts, cabinetry, joinery, cladding and custom interior
• Commercial Projects: Office spaces, retail and hospitality venues use Hydrowood to create warm, inviting atmospheres whilst meeting sustainability targets.
• Custom and Specialty Uses: Furniture makers and architects appreciate Hydrowood for its rare character and ability to bring history into modern designs.

Benefits for Builders and Trades

Workability
Hydrowood is easy to machine, cut, and finish, reducing labour time while delivering a premium result. Its stability ensures minimal movement, making it an excellent choice for joinery and flooring.

Visual Appeal
With growing demand for sustainable materials, offering Hydrowood can set builders apart. It provides a wide selection of timber species, offering blonde timbers, straight grain, deep red hues, and bold undertones, giving clients more choice and a truly unique and sustainable finished product.

Range of Hydrowood

The exclusivity of Hydrowood gives builders and tradespeople a marketable edge. These timbers offer clients a rich story behind the timber and provide environmental benefits.

For more information on Hydrowood, speak to your account manager or contact your local Bowens store to speak with a timber specialist today.