With research proving our built environment has a significant effect on our overall wellbeing, there has been a steady increase in the use of decorative timber in both commercial and residential spaces. The materials surrounding us on a daily basis that offer a deeper connection to earth and nature, such as the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood are being embraced by designers for this reason. While some building materials can look hard and cold, the warmth of timber brings a sense of nature and wellbeing into public buildings, and offers a certain luxury.

Materials and patterns mimicking nature can help achieve a sense of comfort and happiness, which is at the core of biophilic design. Rather than a trend, architects are incorporating biophilic design as the next standard in commercial buildings. By leveraging natural materials such as wood and stone, designers can achieve a sense of wellbeing and visual connections with nature without necessarily having outdoor spaces. This can also be done by utilising organic and biomorphic shapes and forms, live plants, earthy textures and colours, natural lighting and ventilation.

“Commercial developers are not only looking for sustainable design, but an all-encompassing holistic approach to style and functionality, as well as health and wellness. According to a recent study, those in environments featuring natural wooden surfaces reported higher personal mood, clarity, confidence and optimism on average (Pollinate, 2018). In response to this, we are seeing a rise in the use of decorative timbers on walls and ceilings being specified as part of the design element to enhance the commercial and retail space. There’s a myriad of timbers with different textures and colours available, that can be utilised to improve the ambience of a venue,” says Stuart McGonagle, Sales & Marketing Manager – Panels at Big River Group.

The natural visual appeal of timber in commercial and retail spaces aids in lowering stress levels, creating a healthier environment. What’s more, due to its natural insulation, timber reduces internal heat gain in summer and loss of warmth in winter, and can store and release moisture, which help to regulate humidity and air quality in an indoor environment.

From the natural blonde of Hoop Pine, to the deep rustic tones of Spotted Gum and warm colourings of Blackbutt, Big River Group offers a variety of naturally beautiful timber options. All of which are known for their interesting texture and hardwearing finish, adding warmth, style and individuality to a space.

The extensive use of Big River Group’s own native hoop pine plywood for interior walls, ceilings and cabinetry, provides a clean, natural look, and can merge interiors throughout a public space. The premium decorative plywood is predominantly used in the commercial sectors and is popular with architects due to its warm, blonde varied tones with a clean grain and smooth texture. Plywood ceiling and exposed timber trusses are a celebration of light, material and craftmanship, and are ideal for appearance and structural grade applications.

A stunning and smart choice for cabinetry and joinery applications that achieves a natural aesthetic is Big River’s ArmourCab, a new generation of engineered Australian decorative wood panelling. Available in Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Hoop Pine timber finishes, each with its own natural colour and markings, ArmourCab adds harmonious design and plays an important role in marrying the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Combining the stunning intimacy of native timbers with the rugged durability of a precision-engineered structural product, Big River’s Armourpanel decorative plywood is another popular choice due to its distinctly natural appeal. “In maintaining the natural characteristics of the selected wood species, every Armourpanel sheet offers an individual and natural look, with the species’ unique grain structures being preserved so no two sheets look alike,” McGonagle says. Also available in a range of native species including Blackbutt, Flooded Gum, Spotted Gum and Sydney Blue Gum, its durability makes it ideal for use in hardwearing areas, including flooring, wall panelling, screening, cabinetry, ceiling linings and joinery.

The new Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, in regional Victoria, designed by Kosloff Architecture, realises a vision to bring together education, community and the arts to the city. With end user engagement the ultimate objective, Kosloff Architecture sought to ensure the dynamic new space incorporated expansive areas for research, study and socialising through a warm and inviting environment.

Drawing on the appeal of native timber, its striking interior elements work to fulfil this intention. Internally, the incorporation of natural timber lends itself to a biophilic intent while instilling a sense of comfort and inclusion. The interior is punctuated by a dramatic timber staircase, which leads up the three levels through a circular void, and has been clad in Big River Group’s premium plywood products, ArmourPanel and Armourfloor in Blackbutt.

“The warmth of the Big River Blackbutt products with rich tones provides a sense of comfort and connection to nature within the interiors of the project,” says Lance Van Maanen, Associate Director of Kosloff Architecture. Setting the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere, Big River’s decorative plywood products, Armourpanel and Armourfloor are also a popular choice for architects and builders in residential projects because of their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Project 12 Architecture were recently commissioned to transition a much-loved double fronted heritage listed Victorian terrace, into a generous inner-city dwelling.

Contemporary updates remain faithful to the dwelling’s Victorian heritage and there is a strong emphasis on detailing and craftmanship throughout the home with the use of natural and sturdy materials such as Spotted Gum timber, marble and concrete. Big River Group’s premium plywood products in Spotted Gum were specified all through the interior of the home, with the natural beauty of the species adding textural depth and richness to the overall design.

“Use of Big River’s timber profiles throughout creates a sense of flow and cohesion,” says Aimee Goodwin, Director at Project 12. “Spotted Gum timber has been used for the flooring, wall panelling, joinery, cabinetry and stairs to establish a subtle but undeniable connection between the various rooms and levels.”

Armourpanel, ArmourCab and Hoop Pine are manufactured in Australia under the Plywood Association of Australia’s third party audited quality control program and milled from managed regrowth and plantation forest hardwoods. These are Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certified products.