Sydney-based architecture practice Koichi Takada Architects are renowned for their use of timber to create calm and elegant interiors. But when it came to designing the pool common area of a luxury apartment in Melbourne’s Docklands, they had to find a product that would be materially appropriate for the context.
Given the high humidity of a pool setting, the use of timber would not have been practical. Without straying away from their signature warm materiality, the design team chose Covet’s Japanese-made Ever Art Wood® batten cladding — a lightweight, high-quality aluminium product with a photorealistic timber finish.
The Kabebari batten cladding selected features a versatile 30x50 two-section profile. This was easily installed on the walls and ceilings of the pool area. The ‘male’ section was screwed to the ceiling, and the female section was slot in over the top. This allowed all evidence of screws to be hidden, creating perfect lines and detailing around the area’s columns and sloped walls. The result is a visually rich and engaging space.
Compared to other wood-look timber alternatives that can have an unrealistic sheen, the Ever Art Wood® series provides a realistic matte timber aesthetic. The product is virtually maintenance free, dimensionally accurate, and performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).
Cladding profile
Ever Art Wood®
Finish
EAW - Surpuringu Oku
Photography © James Park