Designing a Connection Between Two Cultures
When designing the Malaysian Consulate General, the Cheah Saw team set out to create a space that could bridge two distinct contexts. The challenge was to find an architectural language that would feel familiar within both Malaysian and Australian environments while creating a welcoming experience for visitors.
Timber became the starting point. The material offered a warmth and connection to place that felt relevant across both cultures, providing a foundation for the interior experience while creating a strong sense of identity throughout the space.
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber
Applications
Feature Ceilings
Sector
Government
Architect
Cheah Saw
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Completion
2025
Photographer
Trevor Main
Videographer
Poached Egg Pictures
A Suspended Timber Ceiling Inspired by Filtered Natural Light
To bring this idea to life, Sculptform’s Spotted Gum Click-on Battens were used to create a suspended ceiling feature that flows through the interior, creating rhythm and depth.
Lighting was positioned behind the battens, allowing light to filter through the ceiling and recreate the feeling of dappled sunlight through trees. The changing play of light creates movement and softness throughout the space, reflecting a familiar experience found across both Malaysian and Australian landscapes.
Why Spotted Gum Was Specified
The approach behind the batten design came from a desire to create a form that would feel recognisable in both contexts. Rather than becoming a purely decorative feature, the ceiling was designed to shape the experience of the space itself.
Material selection played an important role in grounding the project within its Australian context. Spotted Gum was chosen for its broad range of natural colour variation, moving from lighter brown tones through to deeper reds. These colours reflect those found throughout the Australian landscape and helped establish a stronger connection between the building and its location.
Alongside its visual warmth, the natural variation of the timber creates depth across the ceiling, giving the batten system a more dynamic and organic appearance.
Supporting Design Intent Through to Delivery
For the team at Cheah Saw, materiality and detailing were central to the project outcome.
Throughout the design and delivery process, close collaboration ensured the original design intent could be realised while balancing practical considerations around procurement, availability and lead time requirements.
Sculptform have supported the design and delivery process by being accessible, open and collaborative in the initial stages, while also being supportive throughout procurement, ensuring pricing, availability and timeframes were met.
Eugene Cheah
Cheah Saw
Product Specifications
Feature Ceiling
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber
Finish
Spotted Gum
Coating
Raw
Profile
Block, 30mm x 60mm with 30 mm Gaps
Mounting
Suspended Ceiling Track
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