Timber features to complement every architectural design
Timber's versatility enhances any architectural style.
Timber is a timeless architectural element that offers warmth, texture, and a connection to nature. With sustainable practices on the rise, incorporating timber in modern design not only appeals aesthetically but also contributes to environmentally responsible construction. From the rustic charm of a country home to the sleek lines of urban minimalism, timber’s versatility allows it to adapt and enhance every architectural style. In this exploration of timber design, we'll discuss how to use this material to its fullest potential and protect it with Whittle Waxes products.
Architectural Elements
Incorporating timber in visible architectural elements such as window frames, architraves, vaulting, and ceilings can significantly enhance design continuity throughout a home. By using wood in these components, architects and designers can create a cohesive aesthetic that visually unites diverse layouts, making the space feel more harmonious and interconnected. Additionally, the natural beauty of timber brings warmth and texture to a home's interior, which can make smaller spaces appear more ordered and less cluttered. The use of timber in these structural and decorative features not only adds to the visual appeal but also contributes to the overall structural integrity, showcasing timber's versatility and strength.
Whittle Waxes Evolution Hardwax Oils’ micro-porous quality allows timber to breathe, preventing cracking and peeling whilst providing long-lasting protection that doesn't require frequent retouching.
Ceiling Cladding
Ceiling cladding is one of the most dramatic ways to incorporate timber into architectural design. It can create an illusion of height and add character to a room. For a rustic look, rough-hewn timber beams can give a space a cozy, cabin-like feel. To achieve this effect while ensuring the timber remains protected and durable, Whittle Waxes’ Evolution Hardwax Oils can be applied to preserve the wood's natural grain and texture.
For a polished, contemporary environment, smoothed timber with a clear hardwax oil finish can reflect light and give a bright, open sensation. Adding colour with the Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains can subtly alter the wood tone while maintaining the timber’s natural appeal.
Wall Cladding
Interior timber wall cladding adds depth and warmth to a space, providing a sense of organic elegance. Feature panels and walls become focal points in any room, blending artistry with functionality. Whittle Waxes not only protects and preserves the natural beauty of timber panels but also enhances them.
Applying Evolution Hardwax Oils on a feature wall can highlight the timber’s natural patterns, making the grains and textures the artwork itself. For those seeking a bold statement, using the Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains allows for a customised appearance. These colours range from deep, moody black to sophisticated shades of grey, or the warmth and richness of more earthy tones through to the striking drama of Lechwe Red, giving designers and homeowners the freedom to match the timber to the room's aesthetic. With the right treatment, timber panels and walls transition from mere architectural elements to pieces of visual interest that anchor the space.
Bench Tops
In both residential kitchens and bathrooms, and commercial spaces, timber bench tops command attention, marrying durability with timeless elegance. The natural warmth of timber can transform any countertop into the centrepiece of a room. However, these surfaces are not just about aesthetics; they need to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure longevity and maintain the unique beauty of the timber, Evolution Hardwax Oils are the premier choice. These treatments penetrate deeply, offering protection against spills, stains, and scratches without compromising the wood’s natural feel and appearance. Whittle Waxes Evolution Hardwax Oils are water resistant, making them suitable for wet areas without sacrificing the timber's integrity. Most importantly, Evolution Hardwax Oils are also non-toxic and food-safe, a key consideration for Kitchen bench tops.
For those who prefer a more customised look, the Evolution Colours range provides an array of colour options to either complement the existing decor or stand out as a bold design statement. Colourfast natural pigments ensure that the hues remain vibrant and true over time, while the absence of cobalt and oxime makes these oils suitable for sensitive environments. By selecting the right finish, timber bench tops can offer both functionality and a sense of luxury in any setting.
Timber Flooring
Timber flooring stands out for its enduring appeal and the warm ambiance it brings to any space. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly integrate into various design themes, from rustic to contemporary. To maintain the floor's resilience and aesthetic appeal, proper treatment is crucial. Evolution Hardwax Oils are specifically formulated to enhance the natural beauty of timber floors while providing robust protection against daily wear and tear. These oils penetrate the wood, safeguarding it from inside out and making it easier to repair minor damage or scratches without the need for sanding the entire floor. Evolution Hardwax Oils are non-toxic and safe, making it the perfect finishing choice for environments frequented by children and pets, whilst offering hard-wearing and long-lasting protection that doesn't require frequent retouching. Ideal for floors and high-use furniture.
To achieve a more personalised effect while ensuring the timber remains protected and durable, the Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains offer a spectrum of shades that can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Whether aiming for a subtle enhancement of the natural timber colour or a bold, dramatic statement, the right treatment can significantly elevate the appearance of timber floors, making them a key element in the home's overall design.
Partitions/Screens
In open-plan spaces, floor-to-ceiling screens and partitions can bring a temporary or permanent sense of privacy and coziness. These partitions can be designed with negative space to maintain a sense of openness, or they can be solid to provide a more definitive separation. Utilising timber as a material for these screens and partitions not only adds colour and texture to a room but also introduces a natural, warm feel that complements both modern and traditional interiors. For an understated aesthetic, incorporating modernist or Japanese-inspired straight lines and symmetry can create a tranquil and orderly space. On the other hand, for those looking to infuse a room with a touch of the exotic, incorporating timber designs from Bali, Thailand, or India can transform a living area into a vibrant and visually intriguing environment. Whether for functional or decorative purposes, timber partitions and screens offer a versatile solution to spatial planning in open plan living.
With the right treatment, timber partitions and screens transition from mere architectural elements to pieces of visual interest that anchor the space. Applying Evolution Hardwax Oils can highlight the timber’s natural patterns, making the grains and textures the artwork itself. For those seeking a bold statement, using the Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Whether aiming for a subtle enhancement of the natural timber colour or a bold, dramatic statement, Whittle Waxes’ Evolution Hardwax Oils allows for a customised appearance.
Sliding Doors
Timber sliding doors, Barn doors and Stacking doors combine elegance with practicality, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces while offering a sophisticated design element. Made from high-quality timber, these doors not only provide security but also enhance the thermal efficiency of a home, maintaining its warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Timber's natural insulation properties, along with modern sealing technology, make these doors a smart choice for energy-conscious homeowners. Available in a variety of styles and finishes, timber sliding doors can be customised to complement any architectural design, from contemporary to traditional. Their smooth operation and space-saving nature make them an ideal solution for connecting living areas to patios, gardens, or balconies, encouraging an open, airy feel and a stronger connection with nature.
To ensure longevity and maintain the unique beauty of the timber, Evolution Hardwax Oils are the premier choice. These treatments penetrate deeply, offering protection against moisture, stains and scratches without compromising the timber’s natural feel and appearance. The addition of the Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains can subtly alter the wood tone while maintaining the timber’s natural appeal.
Furniture
Not only can timber furniture be easily updated, it’s also a great way to mix timber textures, tones, and styles. Timber furniture can also bring a textural element to the interiors, adding depth and interest to any room. From sleek, modern designs to rustic, handcrafted pieces, the variety, and flexibility of timber allows it to suit any aesthetic and function. Whether it's a statement dining table, built-in bookcase, or intricately designed chairs, timber furniture stands as a testament to timeless style and sustainability. The warmth and natural patterns within the timber invite a sense of calm and connection to the natural world, making timber furniture not just a choice for durability and versatility, but also for well-being and aesthetic harmony in the home.
Evolution Hardwax Oils are non-toxic and safe, whilst offering hard-wearing and long-lasting protection that doesn't require frequent retouching. The Evolution Colours Range or Evolution Raw Stains offer a spectrum of shades that can dramatically change the look and feel of the timber, making it a key element in the home's overall design.
Lighting
Due to its flexible and malleable nature, timber is often used in lighting fixtures with spectacular results. From contemporary wooden chandeliers to geometric and turned wood drop lighting, timber is not only a versatile material; it also brings shadow play and warmth to a room when it's used in lighting elements. The interplay of light and wood grain can create a soothing ambiance, adding depth and character to any space. Designers are increasingly leveraging timber's natural beauty by incorporating it into minimalist designs that highlight the material's warmth and organic feel. Whether aiming for a rustic charm or a sleek, modern look, wooden lighting fixtures make a statement, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Whittle Waxes Evolution Hardwax Oils’ micro-porous quality allows timber to breathe, preventing cracking and peeling whilst providing long-lasting protection that doesn't require frequent retouching. The Evolution Colours range provide an array of colour options to either complement the existing colour palette or stand out as a bold design statement.
Through thoughtful selection and application of Whittle Waxes products, any timber feature in architecture - from ceiling cladding and flooring to bench tops and furniture - can be both functionally resilient and aesthetically enriching, creating spaces that are not only impressive but sustainably so. Whether you’re aiming for a natural finish to keep the timber as close to its raw colour as possible using Evolution Hardwax Oils or wanting a rich tint with the addition of the Evolution Colours range or Evolution Raw Stains, there’s a Whittle Waxes treatment that’s right for the project.
Whittle Waxes Evolution Hardwax Oils’ micro-porous quality allows timber to breathe, preventing cracking and peeling whilst providing long-lasting protection that doesn't require frequent retouching. The Evolution Colours range provide an array of colour options to either complement the existing colour palette or stand out as a bold design statement.
Whittle Waxes products:
Timber Protection
Whittle Waxes takes pride in safeguarding the natural beauty of timber through its range of natural products. Evolution Hardwax Oils are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and highlight the charm of the timber without overpowering it. They are micro-porous, allowing the wood to breathe – crucial in maintaining its longevity. Evolution Hardwax Oils also provide excellent waterproofing protection for timber. For architects, this means ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity for timber features in a range of environments including high-moisture areas.
LEARN MOREEvolution 2K Booster
For commercial applications or areas subject to intense wear, the Evolution 2K Booster amplifies the durability of the hardwax oils, creating a surface that can withstand the rigors of heavy use without sacrificing aesthetic quality.
LEARN MOREAnti-Slip
The Anti-Slip solution from Whittle Waxes ensures added safety for flooring surfaces where slip resistance is critical. It is designed to be applied with Evolution Hardwax Oil (Matte, Classic, Satin and Gloss) to increase the anti-slip level from R10 to R12. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) states that treads must have a slip-resistant finish. It seamlessly integrates with the hardwax oil application process, providing peace of mind without compromising on looks.
LEARN MOREEvolution Colours, Evolution Raw Stains & Treatex Colourtones
Whether keeping the timber's original hue or seeking a more pronounced colour change, these products provide designers with the tools to realise their vision. With Whittle Waxes colour options, designers and homeowners have the flexibility to custom-match their timber features to other elements within the space. The stains are designed to complement rather than overshadow the timber’s natural properties, ensuring that the timber’s natural texture and grain are preserved.
LEARN MOREWhat Our Customers Say
FAQs
The Whittle Waxes Story
Most companies go from A to Z. We went from Z (Zimbabwe) to A (Australia). What an exciting journey it has been - and it's not over yet!
Although Whittle Waxes officially launched in Australia in 2004, our journey (and love affair) with timber started a long time before that. Company founder, Giles Whittle-Herbert, grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, where he inherited a passion for working with wood that goes back generations. For many years he ran a successful carpentry business in Zimbabwe.
On arrival in Australia in 2004, Giles noticed a big gap in the market for natural and safe hardwax oils. He already had an excellent working relationship with an overseas supplier, so all he needed to do was make the Australian market aware of the many benefits of hardwax oils.
20 years later, Whittle Waxes is proud to be leading the way in the supply of natural, high quality finishes in Australian, with satisfied customers across the board, including home renovators, professional polishers, flooring suppliers, timber companies, architects, and designers.
Our Evolution Hardwax Oil continues to exceed expectations and is now a firm favourite all across the country, particularly with those who appreciate a quality finish that is safe, durable and environmentally friendly. Whittle Waxes has introduced a number of other quality products, including colour stains, exterior oils, Wax Polish and Floor Care for easy floor maintenance.
At Whittle Waxes, we genuinely love to interact with our clients so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks for all your support!