Trace by Storey

Trace is built around that idea – designed to be beautiful, but also responsible. “Sustainability has never been a buzzword. It’s how we’ve always worked,” he says. This underpins the brand’s partnership with Antwerp-based atelier Nobel Flooring, where every piece is responsibly made.

Owner Johan Schraunen describes a slower, more thoughtful drying process, which ensures the timber stays strong and stable over time. Each plank is then shaped, sanded and finished based on what the client needs. “It’s not a mass production,” he says. “We think it’s important to keep that value of craftsmanship and the combination with modern techniques to make that perfect product.”

Sustainability here also means designing for longevity and wasting as little as possible. “You have to use as much as possible from that log,” he explains. Larger pieces might become wide floorboards or stairs, while smaller offcuts are reused in other parts of the product. Even leftover waste has a purpose, helping to heat the factory.

In Europe, the standards for sustainability are some of the highest in the world. What stands out with Nobel’s production process is how closely they align with Australian expectations. For Made by Storey co-founder Damir Dzuzdanovic, this is paramount. “Being here, seeing every step of production firsthand makes it clear why we wanted to create Trace in the first place.”

The end result is a product that showcases design and responsibility: from FSC-certified oak to reclaimed timber and low-emission finishes. As Dzuzdanovic adds, “With Trace, every step is about making something that lasts… It’s all about respect for the forest and the craft.”