Thursday, August 21, 2025
Australia’s largest build-to-rent developer, Rory Hunter, will headline Timber Construct, the nation’s premier timber-in-construction conference, on October 13–14.
Timber Construct, Australia’s only dedicated timber-in-construction conference, will host its largest event to date on October 13 and 14. The conference will feature a keynote from Rory Hunter, who is set to lead the conversation on the role of timber in transforming the build-to-rent industry. According to Andrew Dunn, the event organiser, the final program for Timber Construct has been confirmed, with Hunter headlining the session.
“Rory’s MODEL is Australia’s first purpose-first build-to-rent development group, now using mass timber-led solutions to flip the script on old ways of living and being,” said Dunn. With over 700 apartments already under development and plans to build up to 5,000 more, MODEL is an ambitious project backed by a $250 million regeneration decarbonisation fund. The fund supports projects across Melbourne’s inner north, further strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
MODEL is revolutionising the construction industry by incorporating timber as a core building material in its residential projects. The build-to-rent sector is becoming a critical space for timber-based construction, especially with mid-rise and high-rise residential buildings increasingly adopting hybrid timber systems. The Timber Construct conference will explore this development and highlight how timber is reshaping the future of urban housing.
In addition to Hunter’s keynote, the conference will also feature a panel discussion exploring the role of timber framing in addressing Australia’s housing crisis. “Frame and truss are affordable, dependable and reliable,” Dunn noted, emphasising the versatility of timber systems in modern construction. The panel will include experts like Nick Hewson (CEO, Aboralis), Barry Brunton (Legacy Engineering), and Dr. Louise Wallis (University of Tasmania), who will discuss the potential of timber in building affordable housing.
Georgia Coutsodimitropoulous, Marketing and Brand Manager at Timberlink, will chair the keynote session. Timberlink operates Australia’s first cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam plant through its subsidiary, NeXTimber. The session will also explore the broader potential of timber in construction, with a particular focus on sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the housing industry.
One of the technical sessions will spotlight research into the use of stone wool in mass timber buildings. Andy Russell (Proctor Australia/DTech) and Jeremy Church (General Manager, NeXTimber) will present new testing data and design strategies. Stone wool, known for its fire resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic control, is emerging as a key material for enhancing the performance of timber-framed buildings.
“Speakers will present testing data, installation techniques, and design strategies demonstrating how stone wool systems simultaneously provide superior fire protection, energy efficiency, and sound control in timber buildings,” Dunn said. The testing data and performance results presented at Timber Construct are set to challenge traditional materials used in timber buildings.
Recent tests by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) have shown that timber-framed walls and panels covered with stone wool can withstand fire for over two and a half hours—well beyond the standard required under Australia’s National Construction Code. “That test represents a significant advancement in building materials technology,” Dunn said.
The performance of stone wool in mass timber construction has been lauded as a game-changer. According to Dunn, “Stone wool could become a transformative solution for fire safety and efficiency in mass timber and lightweight timber construction.” The material’s exceptional ability to combine fire resistance with thermal and acoustic properties positions it as a viable alternative to plasterboard, which has been the traditional choice for fire protection in construction.
“This could potentially revolutionise construction costs for mass timber buildings,” Dunn added. The combination of timber’s sustainability and stone wool’s superior performance is expected to lead to more cost-effective, safer, and environmentally friendly buildings.
Timber Construct’s focus this year will be on advancing the use of sustainable building materials, such as mass timber and stone wool, to tackle pressing industry challenges. As timber-based construction becomes more widespread, it is being recognised not only for its environmental benefits but also for its cost-effectiveness and versatility in tackling housing shortages across Australia.
The event promises to be an important milestone for the timber and construction industries, drawing global experts to discuss innovations and solutions. As the demand for timber in construction continues to grow, Timber Construct serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge, and shape the future of sustainable building practices.
In conclusion, the upcoming Timber Construct conference will showcase the latest advancements in timber construction and its role in addressing Australia’s housing crisis. With key figures like Rory Hunter leading the conversation, and technical sessions delving into breakthrough materials like stone wool, the event is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the Australian construction industry. The build-to-rent sector, in particular, is poised to be at the forefront of this transformation, with timber as a cornerstone for sustainable, affordable housing.
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Tags: Australian construction, build-to-rent, hybrid timber systems, Rory Hunter, Rory Hunter to lead Timber Construct, Timber Construct, Timber Industry
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