For decades, Perth’s residential construction market has been favoured traditional, inefficient masonry construction methods creating the only metropolitan market in Australia that is dominated by double brick walls. Yet, a convergence of industry pressures and environmental realities is creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for timber framing to reshape the way homes are built in Western Australia.
Housing shortages, rising construction costs, and an urgent need for more sustainable building solutions are forcing the industry to rethink traditional methods. Modern timber framing, particularly when paired with prefabrication and offsite manufacturing, offers a scalable, efficient, and sustainable alternative. Timber delivers faster build times, improved energy performance, and a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint than steel or masonry — all while aligning with Australia’s carbon reduction targets and growing consumer demand for greener homes
But for timber framing to truly take hold in Perth, the industry must overcome historical challenges: fragmented supply chains, limited carpentry skills, and ingrained habits around masonry construction. That’s where Timber Insight comes in.
Timber Insight’s Return to Perth
Timber Insight is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities facing timber in WA. For over 10 years, we’ve delivered expert advisory services across multiple timber-related fields, building a rich history across many regions of the state and forging a longstanding relationship with WoodSolutions (Forest Wood Products Australia). Together, we’ve delivered WA-centric projects that demonstrate the versatility, sustainability, and performance of timber.
After several years of focusing on regional infrastructure assets, 2025 marks our return to the Perth metropolitan area with a renewed commitment to residential timber framing. This isn’t just about promoting timber — it’s about equipping the entire industry with the knowledge, capability, and confidence to make timber framing the smart, future-ready choice.
Leading with Innovation and Collaboration
At the helm of this renewed mission is Craig Oatway, Timber Insight’s new leader. Craig brings a strong background in strategic leadership and product commercialisation, shaped through senior roles at multinational firms connected to timber construction systems. Over the past decade, he has led numerous initiatives in WA, working with leading suppliers, builders, developers, and specifiers to drive innovation and adoption of timber solutions.
Craig’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and growth reflects Timber Insight’s core mission: delivering smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions for WA’s construction industry. His leadership will ensure that Timber Insight acts not only as an advisor but also as a catalyst — connecting fragmented supply chains, building confidence through education, and supporting the shift toward modern, prefabricated timber construction.
Shaping the Future of Perth’s Housing
Timber Insight’s strategy is clear:
- Education & Awareness: Hosting forums, tours, and technical events that challenge outdated perceptions of timber.
- Industry Collaboration: Building bridges between suppliers, builders, and policymakers to strengthen supply chains and deliver consistent outcomes.
- Best Practice Resources: Developing guides, research, and training to upskill the workforce and align capability with market demand.
- Sustainability Advocacy: Championing timber as WA’s most carbon-friendly structural material, supporting the state’s transition to low-carbon construction.
The challenges are real, but the opportunity is greater. Perth stands at the tipping point of a construction transformation. With Timber Insight’s expertise, history, and leadership, we are ready to guide the industry into a new era of smarter, faster, and greener housing.
Our ability to provide these services to the WA market is underpinned by Forest Wood Products Australia (FWPA) through our collaboration with WoodSolutions. We are also proud associates of Forest Industries Federation Western Australia (FIFWA) and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA).
