One Man Builds Timber House: Insights from his Tasmanian House Journey

We often talk about timber in terms of sustainability, efficiency and aesthetics. In this session we examine what happens when those ideas are taken out of theory and applied by a single person designing and building their own home.

This product includes:

Access to the full webinar recording.

Access to a multiple choice quiz Which upon completion with a passing grade you will receive a Certificate of Completion, endorsed by the WoodSolutions program to be eligible for 1 formal CPD point.

Please check your association's specific requirements for CPD points and eligibility. Refunds will not be accepted for denied CPD points.

Today, ‘health’ has become synonymous with ’health care’ as the western, evidence-based model extinguished the older view.
However, recent research has confirmed that where one lives has more impact on one’s health and wellbeing than the medical system (beyond episodes of serious disease, of course).

In this webinar, architect and owner-builder Jiri Lev shares insights from his Tasmanian House journey. A multi-year, hands-on exploration of designing, detailing and constructing timber-based homes with simple tools and a strong focus on material honesty. Working largely alone, Lev’s projects challenge conventional separations between architect, builder and occupant, offering a rare, ground-truth perspective on how architectural specification building products collide and perform in real conditions.

The session explores how timber has been used structurally, materially and spatially across his projects, from framing strategies and sequencing, through to detailing, durability and long-term performance. Rather than presenting idealised outcomes, Lev reflects on the practical realities, trade-offs and lessons learned when theory meets the constraints of time, budget and labour.

This webinar offers designers, engineers and builders a candid look at timber construction through the lens of lived experience. It highlights what timber enables, where it demands respect, and how thoughtful design decisions can make small-scale, high-quality housing both achievable and repeatable.