The use of timber in commercial architectural design has continued to gain popularity over the years, working to create modern, aesthetic spaces while offering a long list of functional benefits.
Used for both internal and external applications, timber designs make for an eye-catching feature, create a warm and tranquil ambience, and have the added benefit of customisation and ease of installation.
With sustainability and customer experience at the heart of many commercial design projects, discover the benefits of timber ceilings and how they can transform your space.
Visual aesthetics
The use of architectural timber undoubtedly creates a visual impact that can be appreciated by designers, employees and shoppers alike. Timber is often used in biophilic design, whereby the incorporation of natural elements in built spaces aims to create a more harmonious and comfortable space for its occupants.
Timber is commonly used to create a striking ceiling feature, using baffles of various shapes and designs to create unique combinations that create depth, dimension and texture.
Austratus Fin profile timber ceiling used in the Northern Beaches Hospital to create a sense of welcome for patients, their families and the hundreds of staff who inhabit it daily
Customisation and flexibility
Beyond the material, timber ceilings offer additional design benefits, with panels creating a clean, modern look, while adding texture and depth to completely transform a space. Austratus timber ceilings offer limitless design options for architects and designers, with a variety of profiles, species and colours available.
Timber panels and baffles can be arranged in a variety of patterns and configurations, giving great flexibility to even the most unique spaces and the ability to create a striking feature and visually appealing look.
Austratus Fin profile timber ceiling, Hemlock Prefinished in Beach Hut Grey for Master Builders Australia
Employee health and wellbeing
Architectural design is heavily relied upon to positively influence the experience of building occupants, including employees and shoppers. Studies have shown the benefits that biophilic design in commercial spaces can have, thanks to the relaxing and calming effect of natural elements. It has the ability to reduce stress levels and increase job satisfaction of employees, while also reporting a better shopping experience for customers.
Biophilic design in the healthcare sector is also shown to have a positive impact amongst patients and their families, reporting shorter hospital stays and fewer pain medications, compared to those in spaces without natural elements.
Acoustics and soundproofing
A big priority for architectural design is to manage sound acoustics to create more productive, comfortable spaces. Timber is a naturally acoustic material and a timber ceiling system can be instrumental in helping you craft the space you desire. Acoustic timber ceilings absorb noise as a result of the inner make-up of the timber.
Austratus timber ceilings are known for their exceptional noise reduction capabilities by reducing sound reflections and unwanted noise or reverberation. Managing unwanted sound is also important to create a comfortable and productive space, and is especially important for high-occupancy buildings such as shopping centres and workplaces.
A timber drop ceiling is also layered, meaning that sounds can be allowed to surround the slats and battens that make up the space. This means that noise can surround and move through the ceiling, instead of bouncing around in the room. This is more often the case in a more traditional ceiling that is flat and less permeable.
Managing acoustics in your commercial space will result in creating a calmer and more productive environment for your occupants.
Ease of installation
Timber ceilings from Austratus provide the additional bonus of a simple, straightforward installation process. Its patent-pending clip-on system allows greater accessibility and simplicity when it comes to quoting, supplying and installing timber ceilings.
Installation is as simple as clipping or screwing in the rails, attaching the plastic clips, and inserting the timber lengths.
Patent-pending clip-on batten system provides flexibility and ease of installation
Sustainability
Architects are continually being challenged to account for environmental factors when crafting designs that excel in form and function. Sustainable architecture involves creating healthy living environments while aiming to minimise negative environmental impacts, energy consumption, and use of human resources.
Sustainable architecture can be reflected in a building’s materials, construction methods, resource use and overall design. Austratus timber ceilings come from renewable and sustainable resources, supplied by respected industry veteran Cedar Sales. With more than 30 years’ experience supplying architectural timber to residential and commercial projects across Australia, Cedar Sales has developed a reputation for innovative product designs, uncompromising quality control and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Western Red Cedar and Hemlock profiles from Austratus are made from sustainably-harvested timber and are PEFC™ Certified.
Timber ceilings for your upcoming project
Interested to learn more about how you can integrate timber ceilings in your space or would like to learn more about our products? Progressive Materials is the technical consultant for Austratus timber ceilings in WA and is available to help you assess your options and determine the best timber requirements for your upcoming project.
Image: Austratus Fin profile timber ceiling used in the Northern Beaches Hospital
