Transforming timber with Thor’s Hammer
When a building is demolished, there are still many valuable resources that could be recovered, repurposed and given a second life.
Thor’s Hammer is a Canberra business that reclaims timbers from historic buildings, houses, wharves and factory demolition sites around Australia. Their team transforms these timbers into new products, such as decking, furniture and flooring.
The challenge
“The production of new building materials is highly resource intensive. Extraction of raw materials, processing, transportation and construction all require significant amounts of energy and natural resources,” said Thor Diesendorf, founder and owner of Thor's Hammer.
“When a building is demolished, the materials that could be reused often end up in landfill. This is a waste of existing resources and increases our reliance on new building materials.
The action
“The 35 people in our team undertake collection, sorting, design, manufacture and sale of the products. This creates local, skilled jobs and supports the local economy.
“Thor's Hammer has contributed to a circular economy in the built environment space for over 28 years.
“Our products are built to last a long time and be easily maintained. We use natural finishes and low toxicity glues so our products can be safely repurposed at the end of their life.
“We also minimise waste through sustainable workshop practices. We design all pieces to minimise timber loss. We put to use our own waste materials by selling timber offcuts for use as firewood, compressing sawdust waste into clean burning briquettes for home wood heaters, and recycling or reusing nails, spikes and bolts.
The benefit
“Repurposing timber from demolition reduces resource consumption and energy use. Additional timber is not required to be harvested, preserving Australia’s forests. Recycling wood also decreases greenhouse gas emissions by conserving the carbon stored in the timber.
“Avoiding resource depletion and environmental destruction has many long-term benefits to the wider economy. For an individual business there can be benefits including point of difference and securing materials in a resource-constrained world.
“It is also very satisfying and enjoyable to save high quality Australian hardwoods from going to landfill. These timbers are very beautiful and inspiring to use."
The Circular Economy
Thor’s Hammer is an example of the circular economy in action. A circular economy ensures that materials and resources are captured and recirculated, adding value to products that were previously considered waste. This process generates economic opportunities, creating local jobs while designing out waste.
Learn more about the draft ACT Circular Economy Strategy.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.