Woods Bagot used timber battens to create a sculptural timber pathway. The architecture studio sculpted the tunnel in an immersive showroom space in Melbourne. The showroom space is designed for local cladding manufacturer Sculpform and features a mixed-use functionality.
The space occupies the ground level of a tower in central Melbourne and serves as a "billboard to the street," showcasing the brand's manufacturing abilities. The architecture studio created the Sculptform Showroom's tunneled pathways using timber shaped into curved pieces for a flowing design. All the walls and ceilings are clad in the steam-bent timber material, creating a sense of movement throughout. Natural light is integrated into the design to emphasize the drama of the wooden curves. The tunnel guides visitors through a figure-eight space.
Image Credit: Woods Bagot
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sculptural Timber Pathways
- Exploring the use of timber as a sculptural material for pathways presents opportunities for immersive experiences in commercial spaces
- Steam-bent Timber Cladding
- Incorporating steam-bent timber in building cladding designs creates an organic feel and visual movement, which can be used to differentiate commercial buildings
- Mixed-use Showroom Spaces
- Developing mixed-use showroom spaces presents opportunities for brands to showcase their manufacturing abilities, and creates immersive experiences that attract customers
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architecture firms can leverage steam-bent timber designs and mixed-use showroom spaces to create distinctive and engaging commercial buildings
- Commercial Real Estate
- Commercial real estate developers can differentiate their properties by offering mixed-use showroom spaces that feature sculptural timber pathways and unique designs
- Manufacturing
- Manufacturers can incorporate steam-bent timber in building cladding and interior designs, creating innovative and visually interesting products that appeal to architects and builders
