Sustainability
Max Royce is a great believer in the sustainable lifestyle; his work reflects that philosophy, as do the surroundings in which he makes his living. His house has been made largely from recycled materials, and he has implemented several environmental systems.
Sustainability in the workshop
Greenough Woodworks is the ultimate sustainable business. Max and his team are environmentally conscious, salvaging their recycled timbers from many often historic sources such as breweries, pioneer dwellings, sheds, railway stations and wharf yards. They obtain timbers for their masterpieces from any building undergoing renovation or demolition within the Midwest region.
A vast range of woods are utilised in the artistic and functional works that are created and displayed in the workshop and gallery. These include Red Gum, Marri, Wandoo and Sheoak, but Max has some particular favourites:
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Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginita)
Some of the Jarrah we recycle dates back to 1860. As we machine the material down, the richness and diversity of its colour and grain is revealed. This is what makes it one of the most beautiful timbers in the world.
Jarrah is only found in the south west corner of Western Australia. Some of the trees grow up to 45 metres high, and up to 2 metres in diameter.
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Oregon (Fraxinus Latfolia)
Oregon has moderate density and varies in colour from yellow and brown to salmon. When the tree is young, it grows very quickly but slows as it matures. This growth pattern creates the colourful contrast within the grain making the timber pleasing to the eye.
The tree grows to a height of 24 metres with a diameter of 60 cm. Its medium weight and high strength makes it an ideal timber for beams in roofs.
Furniture made from Oregon is very beautiful and therefore much sought after.
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Jam Wood (Acacia Acuminata)
Jam Wood is a very dense, heavy timber with a reddish brown colour (and a contrasting yellow sapwood). Max creates a great effect using it in carved handles, plant stands, wine racks etc.
The pioneers of the Greenough District found that Jam Wood made excellent fence posts, due to its tremendous strength and resistance to white ants (termites).
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Environmental Sustainability
Max is passionate about the environment and has installed several environmental systems at his home and workshop, including a Biolytix wastewater system and an aquaponics system which is an integrated system that combines producing fish and growing vegetables.
The Mid West region of Western Australia, home to Max Royce Woodworks, is arid, with water becoming an increasingly important issue. Conserving water in the arid regions of the Mid West is crucial and the Biolytix system borrows from nature to clean and filter water.
