Eveneer WoodWall adds grandeur and drama to Melbourne office lobby

A sinuous central stair and dramatic sweeping bulkhead – all enveloped in Elton Group’s innovative Eveneer WoodWall – add a sense of grandeur and welcome at 26 Hall Street in Melbourne’s Hawthorn East.

A key element in this five-storey office lobby is the timber veneer finish that wraps the underside of the bulkhead, enclosing the mezzanine above. Designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke and built by Newpol, this striking commercial application adds texture, warmth and a strong visual impact to the entrance, setting the tone for the rest of the building.

Our Eveneer WoodWall in Chincilla has been used to achieve this feature, with the prefinished timber veneer product offering the aesthetic and textural qualities of timber. WoodWall is seamlessly applied to the curved form, which would have proved very difficult if using a different timber product. This extensive use of timber not only adds depth and texture, but also brings gravitas, grounding the space with a beautiful, natural material.

Hand-constructed with a 0.2mm layer of timber veneer bonded to foil with a paper backing and finished in polyurethane, WoodWall provides the perfect combination of authenticity, flexibility and durability.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, WoodWall meets strict fire safety regulations, achieving a Group One fire rating – the highest standard, making it suitable in commercial interiors. It’s a preferred choice for foyers, lobbies, lift interiors and corridors, where compliance with fire safety codes is crucial.

A key part of our Eveneer ALPIlignum range, WoodWall utilises real wood grown in sustained-yield forests. The colour-enhanced veneer ensures a consistent grain appearance, while sequence-matched sheets allow for a seamless application. Unlike traditional timber panelling, WoodWall can be installed directly onto a variety of surfaces, including MDF, particleboard, metal and plastic, without the need for additional framing. This significantly reduces material usage – a key consideration in projects with strong sustainability targets.

One of the standout environmental benefits of WoodWall is the efficiency of its veneer slicing technology, which increases the yield from each log by up to 300%. This process maximises resource efficiency, allowing designers to create stunning timber interiors while reducing the number of trees harvested.

We’re proud to support designers and architects in creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. And the transformation of 26 Hall Street is a perfect example of how timber veneer solutions bring warmth, character and sustainability to commercial interiors.

Project details

Project: Commercial Building at 26 Hall Street

Location: Hawthorn East, Melbourne

Designer: ClarkeHopkinsClarke

Product: Eveneer WoodWall in Chincilla

Photography: Emily Bartlett