Timber cladding has become a go-to choice for architects and designers looking to combine natural beauty with high performance. From its aesthetic appeal to its sustainability credentials, timber cladding offers versatile solutions for both exterior and interior applications. In commercial settings, its innovative uses are transforming building design and functionality. Let’s explore the myriad ways timber cladding is being used to create stunning, durable, and sustainable commercial buildings.
Aesthetic Excellence and Versatility
Timber Cladding: Aesthetic and Functional Beauty
One of the primary reasons timber cladding is favoured in commercial buildings is its aesthetic versatility. Timber’s natural texture and range of colours can be used to create a variety of looks, from rustic to ultra-modern. The unique grain patterns of timber species like Blackbutt, Ironbark, and Jarrah provide distinctive visual appeal, making each installation one-of-a-kind.
External Timber Cladding: Enhancing Building Facades
External timber cladding significantly enhances the appearance of commercial buildings. It offers a warm, inviting look that can soften the often stark, industrial feel of commercial structures. For instance, the use of Blackbutt with its spectrum of colours from cream to pale brown can add a warm, natural touch to office buildings, retail centres, and even industrial facilities. Pacific Teak, known for its golden-brown appearance and durability, is another excellent choice for commercial exteriors, providing a sophisticated and timeless look.
Innovative Applications
Rainscreens: Combining Protection and Beauty
Rainscreens are a popular application for timber cladding in commercial buildings. This system involves placing a layer of cladding over a small gap, creating a ventilated space that allows moisture to escape and air to circulate. This not only protects the building’s structure from water damage but also improves thermal efficiency. Timber cladding, such as Mortlock Timber’s Trendplank, is an excellent choice for rainscreens due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Buildings like the Scarborough Beach Pool in Perth have successfully used Trendplank Pacific Teak to create a resilient and visually striking exterior.
Acoustic Solutions: Sound and Style
Timber cladding isn’t just about looks; it also has excellent acoustic properties. In commercial buildings like offices, auditoriums, and conference centres, controlling sound is crucial. Timber cladding can absorb and diffuse sound, reducing noise levels and improving acoustics. This makes it a perfect choice for internal applications where sound quality is essential. The Eagle Bay Residence in Western Australia, for instance, utilises Trendplank for its acoustic benefits, ensuring a serene interior environment despite its coastal location.
Sustainability: Building for the Future
The sustainability of timber cladding is a significant advantage in modern commercial construction. Timber is a renewable resource, and when sourced responsibly, it has a much lower carbon footprint compared to materials like steel or concrete. Mortlock Timber’s PEFC-certified products ensure that the timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The carbon sequestration properties of timber, where carbon dioxide is stored within the wood, further enhance its green credentials. This makes timber cladding an ideal choice for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact and achieve green building certifications.
Durability and Performance
Weather Resistance: Standing Up to the Elements
Commercial buildings need materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Timber cladding, when properly treated and maintained, offers excellent durability and resistance to weathering. Treatments such as Sioo
protection ensure that the timber can endure prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and humidity without significant degradation. Projects like the Research Primary School in Victoria have embraced the weathered look of timber, using Blackbutt cladding that gracefully ages to a silver-grey patina while maintaining its structural integrity.
Thermal Efficiency: Reducing Energy Costs
Timber cladding also contributes to the thermal efficiency of commercial buildings. The natural insulating properties of wood help to maintain a stable internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. This can lead to significant energy savings over time. For example, the ventilated air gap in a rainscreen system with timber cladding helps to manage thermal bridging and enhances overall thermal performance, making buildings more energy-efficient.
Customisation and Design Flexibility
Tailored Solutions: Meeting Design Needs
Timber cladding offers unparalleled customisation options, allowing architects and designers to tailor the appearance and performance of their projects. Mortlock Timber provides a range of timber species and finishes, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetics. Whether it’s the deep reds and browns of Jarrah or the light, elegant hues of American Oak, there’s a timber to suit every design vision. Additionally, the ability to choose from various profiles and finishes, such as natural oil or WOCA Wood Oil, ensures that the final product perfectly matches the intended look and feel.
Interior Applications: Adding Warmth and Character
While external timber cladding is popular, its use in interiors is also growing. Timber panelling and batten systems like Satinplank add depth and character to interior spaces, making them ideal for lobbies, reception areas, and conference rooms. The natural look of timber creates a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for occupants and visitors alike. Satinplank’s easy installation and variety of timber species and profiles make it a versatile choice for commercial interiors.
Conclusion
Timber cladding offers innovative and sustainable solutions for commercial buildings, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. Its versatility in design, combined with its environmental credentials, makes it a preferred choice for architects and builders. By selecting high-quality, sustainably sourced timber from reputable suppliers like Mortlock Timber, commercial projects can achieve outstanding results that stand the test of time. Whether it’s enhancing a building’s facade, improving acoustics, or contributing to energy efficiency, timber cladding continues to lead the way in modern commercial architecture.
