A Short History of Our Recycled Teak Benchtops From CSIRO
July 2022
Salvaged from CSIRO’s Plant Science Labs in Canberra & In Stock Now
We recently received a huge load of 1960’s salvaged teak benchtops from the demolition of one of the Black Mountain CSIRO Labs in Canberra—specifically, their Phytotron facility. Although once Teak was often used in mid century furniture, it is a very rare timber these days so this was an important find.
We love the stories our timber can tell, with their rich and diverse histories, so we thought we’d share a little of the history of this particular haul of teak benchtops. So pull up a chair and settle in for timber storytime.
C.S.I.R.O. Phytotron, Canberra, Sir Roy Grounds, 1963, Courtesy State Library of Victoria
CONTENTS
(Click the links below to jump to the section you’re interested in)
The History of CSIRO’s Heritage-Listed Canberra Phytotron
Constructed in 1962, the CSIRO’s heritage-listed Canberra Phytotron was one of only three significant phytotrons in the world. The others were in Pasadena, USA, and in Paris, France.
A phytotron is a climate-controlled laboratory facility that was originally used to examine interactions between plants and the environment, based on changing conditions like light density, temperature, humidity, and so on.
At the time, phytotron facilities were a big deal because up until their arrival, most plant science studies were conducted ‘in the field’ rather than the controlled, measurable environment offered by the phytotron facilities.
A research technician examines seedling growth in an early Phytotron pot experiment. Credit: CSIRO
A Post-war Commonwealth Initiative to Further Scientific Research
In a post-war Commonwealth initiative to further scientific research, Canberra’s Phytotron was constructed around the same time as the Parkes Radio Telescope, Homopolar Generator at ANU and the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.
In the Black Mountain Phytotron they focused on the study of things like tobacco pasture disease control, the behaviour of flowering plants, and the improvement of crop productivity—immensely important to Australia at the time given our reliance on agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
When he opened the facility in 1962, Prime Minister Robert Menzies said “This field of scientific endeavour [plant science] is one of the great hopes of the future of mankind – one of the great hopes for future peace – for in a starving world, there will always be war”.
Check out this newspaper article from The Canberra Times on Friday 15 June 1962—this was a big deal!
The Canberra Times on Friday 15 June 1962
The Architect for Canberra’s CSIRO Phytotron Was Sir Roy Grounds
Perhaps less important, but still interesting, was the architectural style of the building—with engineering and architectural design work undertaken in the late 1950s—resulting in a mixture of Post-War International and mid-century architectural styles, like cubiform shapes, smooth wall surfaces, rounded window frames, painted concrete and parquetry flooring.
Sir Roy Grounds was the architect on the project, a prominent Australian architect at the time.
Portrait of Canberra Phytotron architect, Sir Roy Grounds. Photo can by Henry Talbot in 1959.
In the 1970s, Many Phytotrons Were Repurposed or Demolished
From the 1970s onwards, plant science methods and focuses began to shift towards smaller-scale molecular botany. The remaining phytotrons, after being hailed as game changers just decades earlier, were either demolished or repurposed.
Those that remained were adapted to the CSIRO’s new needs, installing smaller, more controlled cabinets, and repurposing the large greenhouses for other research such as the production of genetically modified plants for scientific research.
The Phytotron’s large-scale greenhouses. Credit: CSIRO
Canberra’s Phytotron Became a Rare Artefact of Early, Large-Scale Plant Science Research
It was at this point that the construction of new phytotrons stopped, making Canberra’s Phytotron a rare artefact of early, large-scale plant science research.
Undergoing a few renovations and refurbishments over the years—one between 1998 and 2000, and another in 2009, the facility has witnessed the growth and adaptation of not only the plant species it housed, but also the evolution of plant science research as a field.
Installed in the original build, our recent haul of teak benchtops survived these various stages of growth in plant science research at the phytotron—60 years in total!
It’s pretty incredible when you think about the journey our timber has been on here at Thor’s!
“Cherish the Earth for man will rest here forever” — a message from architect Roy Grounds in the lobby of CSIRO’s Black Mountain Phytotron Facility.
We’ve Just Salvaged 300 Linear Metres of Historical, Recycled Teak Benchtops!
As a result of the most recent renovation of Canberra’s Phytotron, we became the proud new custodians of 300 linear metres of teak benchtops.
The timber enthusiasts reading this will understand the significance of this precious haul.
We love teak because it’s incredibly durable yet lightweight, and it’s also extremely water resistant. In the past, it was often used for boat building for these reasons. Teak has a very clean grain and an even, light brown hue that we love for creating classic mid-century furniture. In this recent haul of CSIRO’s teak benchtops in particular will be perfect for benchtops as the pieces are already cut to size.
Fun fact, teak actually smells like leather after it’s freshly milled!
Teak isn’t readily available these days as most of it was logged out in the 1970’s from rare, old-growth teak forests. While some efforts have now been put in place to develop sustainable teak plantations, there’s still a few issues with sourcing new teak timber—even the sustainable type. The main issue is the high carbon footprint incurred by transporting teak from its native plantation in south and southeast Asia. And secondly, illegal logging in old-growth teak forests is still widespread, and it’s not always possible to track where your teak has come from.
This is why we’re so stoked to be able to salvage, clean up and repurpose CSIRO’s teak benchtops. Not only are we giving the timber a new lease on life and extending its lifespan, but we’re also sharing the timber’s rich history with its new owners.
So whether you choose to use the teak for another benchtop in your house or office, or perhaps work with us to design a stunning, durable mid-century piece of furniture, now you know the full history of the teak, as well as the full impact of choosing to invest in recycled timber from Thor’s.
One of our designers, Chris, admiring the salvaged teak timber available at Thor's Hammer
How to Buy Recycled Teak From Thor’s Hammer in Canberra
As a result, we’ve got LOADS of teak benchtops (300 linear metres to be exact!!), available in a great range of sizes, with long lengths available too!
We’ve already dressed and sanded this beautiful timber, so it’s ready and waiting for you here at the workshop. After going through our sander they’re 30mm thick, and they’re joined with a classic high quality tongue and groove style glue joint which is the same profile which we use on our benchtops today.
This teak won’t sit around for long, so make sure to make an enquiry today, and visit us in the workshop as soon as you can.
We’re open Monday-Friday 8-5pm and Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. Or, you can call us on (02) 9158 2279 if you’re out of town.
We can’t wait to see what’s created with this precious haul of teak!
Salvaged teak benchtops dressed and sanded, ready for you to pick up!
Written by Ellie Keft. Supplementary research completed by History Researcher and Writer, Maria Larkins.