# Steam-Bent Timber Tunnels Woods Bagot Created a Sculptural Timber Pathway in a Showroom Space By Elena Rahman | Published 2021-10-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-timber-pathway References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2021/10/04/sculptform-showroom-woods-bagot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dezeen+%28Dezeenfeed%29) & [woodsbagot](https://www.woodsbagot.com/projects/) Woods Bagot used [timber battens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/age-of-wood) to create a [sculptural timber pathway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-park-ave). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion), 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 ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### 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 ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eucalyptus Wood Curved Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armadillo-pavilion.md) - [Swirled Public Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tunnel-vision-installation.md) - [Timbered Passage Stair Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-annex.md) - [Sculptural Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-far.md) - [Brutalist-Inpsired Nature Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vipp-tunnel.md) - [Wood-Focused Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinesen-apartment.md) - [Hidden Garden Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-room-around-a-tree.md) - [Lobby Timber Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-park-ave.md) - [Self-Shaping Timber Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion.md)