Show & Tell at Turnaround Timbers

Show & Tell at Turnaround Timbers

At MTNS MADE, we’re always looking for opportunities to bring people together around ideas, making, and the local businesses shaping the Blue Mountains. Our Salons are intentionally small gatherings, a chance to step inside a workspace, hear the story behind a venture, and connect with the people building something new in our community.

Last Friday, we did just that at Turnaround Timbers, Valley Heights, where founders Chris and Coco welcomed us in for a soft opening and a behind-the-scenes look at their new venture.

Turnaround Timbers is all about giving wood a second life. Chris and Coco walked us through their workshop and shared the story behind the business, rescuing timber that might otherwise go to waste and transforming it into beautiful, usable materials. From salvaged beams to reclaimed boards ready for new projects, it was a fascinating glimpse into how discarded materials can be turned into something valuable again.

From the little group that gathered, the curiosity and interest in the room made it feel like a true “show and tell.” We had the chance to ask questions, see the materials up close, and hear about the thinking behind the project directly from the founders.

After the tour we continued the conversation over at Brew Mountains Brewery with beer and Kombucha on tap and food from the 8ThingsFood Truck. It was a relaxed way to keep the conversations going and spend time with others who care about supporting local ideas and initiatives.

Moments like these are exactly what MTNS MADE is about. Showingup for the people creating, experimenting, and building new things in theMountains. By opening their doors, Chris and Coco gave us a chance to see theirwork at the very beginning of the journey, and we’re grateful to have been partof it.

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Growing the Conversation: The Built Design Cluster

The gathering also highlighted something new that’sbeginning to take shape within the MTNS MADE community … the SustainableBuilt Design Cluster.

This emerging group brings together people working acrossthe built environment and design fields, from architects, builders and makersto landscape designers, lighting specialists, and those exploring sustainablematerials and social design. It’s a space for sharing ideas, knowledge andchallenges specific to designing and building in the Blue Mountains.

The cluster is still in its early stages, but the intention is simple: to create opportunities for people working in the sustainable built design space to come together, learn from each other, and strengthen connections across the region. Future gatherings will include guest speaker sand informal discussions around topics such as social and environmental responsibilities of working within a World Heritage area.

After the first meet-up at Wentworth Falls, in February, there’s a strong sense of curiosity and passion already forming amongst the group, from conversations about regenerative practices and climate-aware design, to exploring how collaboration between disciplines could create new opportunities for innovation and local economic growth.

Importantly, the Sustainable Built Design Cluster isn’tlimited to MTNS MADE members. Anyone with a genuine interest in the builtenvironment and design in the Mountains is welcome to join the conversation.

We’re looking forward to hosting more gatherings like thisin the coming months … creating space to connect, exchange ideas, and supportthoughtful design in the place we all care about.

As always, we’re excited to continue visiting local spaces,sharing stories, and connecting our community with the people and projectsshaping the region. If you have something you’d like to share, please contactus: hello@mtnsmade.com.au

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