RARE TIMBER Enduring Craft

In Byron Bay, two names have become inseparable from the art

of building with purpose – Off The Rails and Beam & Brace –

blending timeless design, sustainability, and bespoke construction

into a resource unlike any other in Australia. Rooted in traditional

techniques and rare, character-rich materials, they create spaces

that honour individuality, preserve heritage, and carry the stories

embedded in every beam.

A Finite Resource, An Infinite Impact

For the past decade, Off The Rails has been one of the country’s

leading award winning suppliers of large-scale reclaimed railway

sleepers. Its yard in Ewingsdale holds a rich collection of century-

old bridge timbers, Cypress, transoms, turn out timbers, Red

Ironbark, and rough-sawn Australian hardwoods. “These pieces are

finite,” says founder Julian Simpson. “When they’re gone, they’re gone

— and people are starting to realise how special that is.”

The rustic aesthetic that defines much of Byron Bay’s architectural

identity owes much to Julian’s eye. From record-breaking real

estate and landmark commercial builds to boutique landscaping

and heritage restorations, his work has helped shape a new era

of sustainable Australian design — one sleeper, one beam, one

project at a time.

From Yard to Frame

Sharing the yard is Beam & Brace, led by traditional framer Bevan

Cuthbertson, who recently spent six weeks in Europe studying with

heritage framing masters before working alongside Japan’s leading

timber framers and craftspeople at Kesurokai — a rare gathering

held every five years where artisans from around the world share

centuries-old techniques and traditions.

Fusing these European and Japanese methods with modern

Australian sensibilities, a rare skillset, Bevan brings authenticity,

durability, and beauty to every build. He transforms reclaimed

timbers into handcrafted structures with timeless appeal,

specialising in large timber joinery for barns, saunas, gazebos,

cabins, and custom spaces — all designed in-house or in

collaboration with architects and clients.

More Than Just Timber

What unites the partnership is a shared ethos: design with soul,

materials with history, and skills passed down through generations.

Clients now travel from interstate. Recently, two Sydney

homeowners who built their entire property from bridge timbers

said, “We had no idea something like this existed up here,” a

sentiment echoed by many first-time visitors.

“We’re not just supplying timber,” says Julian. “We’re helping people

create one-of-a-kind spaces that will never exist again — and that’s

rare today.”

“These techniques have been around for centuries, and some of

the world’s most iconic structures built this way are still standing,”

Bevan adds. “Every piece of timber is used, whether as joinery,

dowelling, or even firewood. Together, we carry that lineage into

contemporary Australian builds. It’s a privilege — and it shows in

every detail.”

Whether you’re restoring a heritage home, designing a bespoke

retreat, or creating something iconic, Off The Rails and Beam &

Brace are the Byron region’s trusted destination for sustainability,

rare timber, enduring craftsmanship, and personalised service.

Building with purpose, where sustainability meets storytelling, and

timber is more than a material; it’s a legacy.

https://offtherailsbyronbay.com.au

@offtherails_byronbay | @beam.and.brace