SUPAWOOD are proud to have manufactured and supplied around 2000 sqm of decorative timber veneer acoustic panels, beams and solid panels for the new Australian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.
The interior design elements for this prestige project called for a diverse range of complex bespoke timber linings. Embassy designers BVN and builder BVSL needed to source an Australian company who could not only supply such a large quantity of customised lining products to specification on time and within budget, but also act as consultants throughout the project, from the initial design stages and installation to completion.
SUPAWOOD were able to offer a Solution Design service and collaborated with the design and technical teams to produce shop drawings for every area where their panels would be used. They aided the builder to modify production designs to ensure products were adapted to suit the application. This also included product and finish samples, panel mock-ups and advice on installation methodology. Supawood also recommended an accredited Australian installation company.
BVN’s design is a dynamic blend of the contemporary characteristics of modern Australia and Thailand and forms a compelling representation of their cultural and diplomatic relationship. Supawood supplied a mix of timber lining products for multiple areas in all the buildings within the Embassy complex - the Chancery, Head of Mission’s residence and the entry and guardhouse pavilion.
The interior of the chancery is designed around a central light filled atrium, which reflects the landforms and colours of Australia. The timber used on the linings in the areas leading off the atrium glow a warm, earthy red through the atrium’s glass walls.
In the corridors, lift lobbies and within the lifts themselves, SUPALINE decorative timber walls in European Birch and Blackbutt NTV complement the wooden floors and slatted ceilings. In administration offices, meeting areas and staff breakouts, SUPACOUSTIC acoustic slotted panel ceilings in the same two veneers and SUPALINE lined walls add warmth while eliminating reflective noise. MAXI BEAMS in Blackbutt NTV line the vast ceiling of the Chancery café and again SUPALINE has been used on the walls. All panels are finished in various natural timber veneers.
A key area within the Chancery is a multi-function space where the walls are lined with SUPACOUSTIC slotted acoustic and SUPALINE decorative panels again in European Birch natural timber veneer. The ceiling of this space is dominated by floating SUPACOUSTIC acoustic panels in European Birch suspended at different angles to enhance their acoustic performance while allowing for the integration of services above. This was an area, which involved a complex design and installation process.
The state dining room of the Head of Mission’s residence has been designed to blend with the landscaped garden beyond with its full height windows and the use of natural products. Here the spectacular ceiling is lined with SUPACOUSTIC acoustic slotted panels in Blackbutt NTV that are angled up to frame a floating stone feature. The walls are lined with a matching Blackbutt NTV natural timber veneer SUPALINE.
The builder says, “SUPAWOOD assisted BVSL with installation advice by sending a technician to Bangkok to advise our supervisors on the correct method for installing of the panels and to provide assistance on preparation of the mock-up wall and ceiling panels. Despite the numerous challenges of design, logistics and communication, Supawood has successfully completed the supply and installation of acoustic panelling to the new Australian Embassy in Bangkok. I would strongly recommend them to any developer looking for an expert decorative panel supplier in an international situation.” - Rod Kerr, Project Director.
This is a symbolic building, which will endure into the future as a cultural Australian landmark for Thailand and is a credit to all involved in its design and construction.
Photography by John Gollings
