Elevate your commercial space with timber screens

Timber brings a sense of calm and warmth to spaces, whether it’s in commercial or residential spaces. 

“There’s something timeless about timber. When you walk into a space and see a beautiful timber feature, it just feels right – it’s warm, inviting and instantly makes you feel more comfortable,” says Daniel Vincent, Commercial Manager at South Pacific Timber. 

“Functionally, it’s great for creating zones within open-plan environments, with timber battens and screens offering privacy without cutting off light or airflow. This is especially useful in office spaces and commercial interiors where you want to maintain a sense of openness but still give people a bit of personal space. 

“In a world where so many environments can feel cold and impersonal, timber adds a touch of nature that really resonates with people. It’s like bringing a bit of the outdoors inside, which is something we all crave, whether we realise it or not. Plus, timber has acoustic benefits – it can help dampen sound, which is a big plus in busy commercial spaces. 

The versatility of timber also means it can be used to create something sleek and modern, or something more rustic and traditional. “It’s a material that fits in anywhere and everywhere.”

A stunning example of this is the Textile Lofts shared office space in Parnell’s iconic Textile Centre. 

“Knight Associates used our timber battens to create a feature wall that really draws you in as soon as you walk through the door. It’s one of those designs that makes you stop and take a second look,” says Vincent. “The screens helped define the spaces without making them feel closed off, which was exactly what the client wanted to achieve. It’s always satisfying to see how our timber can bring a designer’s vision to life.”

The specification for this project was South Pacific Timber’s 65 x 42mm akwa hardwood batten, coated in a ‘Smoke Brown’ Woca Diamond Oil.

Akwa, oak and walnut are popular hardwoods for interior battens and screens because of their strength and the beautiful grain patterns they offer. They also take finishes well, allowing for greater customisation of colour and sheen. 

“If you’re after a lighter, more Scandinavian-inspired look, something like ash, vitex or pine could be the way to go. The timber you choose really depends on the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. Different woods bring different qualities to the space – some are light and airy, others are rich and dark. It’s like picking the right ingredients for a recipe; each element has to work together to create the desired outcome. Lighting is also critical. The way light interacts with timber can either highlight its beauty or make it fade into the background. It’s all about creating harmony in the space,” says Vincent.

“The beauty of working with timber is that the possibilities are almost endless. We can customise everything from the type of wood to the size, shape and spacing of the battens. We offer a variety of finishes, from natural oils that let the wood’s character shine through, to stains and lacquers that can match or complement other elements in the space. We’ve even worked with designers on completely bespoke projects where we’ve created unique profiles, and some with custom fire-rated coatings.” 

Versatile with many options for customisations, timber battens are often used to create room dividers that allow spaces to feel open yet private. They can also add wow-factor when used as feature walls as shown in Textile Lofts. 

“And then there are the ceilings,” says Vincent. “Using timber battens to add texture and warmth overhead can completely transform a space. In reception areas, timber battens help create a welcoming first impression – something that’s crucial in commercial settings. It’s all about creating spaces that people want to spend time in.”

When working with designers, the South Pacific Timber team always iterates the importance of considering the basics first, including size and spacing. These might seem like small details, but they can make a huge difference in how the finished product looks and feels. 

It’s also vital to design the structure well and understand that, although interior spaces aren’t exposed to the elements as much as outdoors, factors like sunlight exposure and UV levels still need to be considered.

“Timber is strong, but it’s also heavy, so you’ve got to make sure it’s properly supported, especially for larger installations like ceiling features or tall screens,” says Vincent.

“Longevity is all about choosing the right timber and finish, and then maintaining it properly. It’s important to keep timber out of direct harsh sunlight and away from moisture to mitigate any warping or fading. Depending on the UV exposure, recoating can be completed to maintain the existing finish. In heavy-use areas, the benefit of timber versus other substrates is that it can be re-sanded and recoated over time, bringing the battens back to brand new – just like a solid walnut floor. 

“With a bit of care, timber battens and screens will last for many years and they tend to age beautifully, gaining character as time goes on. It’s like having a piece of nature in your space that evolves with you – it’s one of those materials that’s as functional as it is beautiful.”

South Pacific Timber is particularly proud that all its products are manufactured locally in Auckland from sustainably sourced timbers.

“We use a mix of both imported and locally grown wood which allows us to offer a broad range of options while supporting environmentally responsible practices. We enjoy seeing how our timber can be tailored to fit the exact vision of a project. It’s not just about providing the product; it’s about collaborating to create something special,” says Vincent.

“At South Pacific Timber, we’re passionate about helping our clients explore all the possibilities that timber offers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how something as simple as wood can have such a big impact.”

Get in touch
Learn more about the design possibilities of timber screens and battens by getting in touch with South Pacific Timber, contact details linked here, or use the form below.