Woodform Architectural lists out five projects to demonstrate how aluminium facades can acquire a timber cladding look without the maintenance drawbacks of timber. These five projects showcase the different methods of realising timber-like qualities when using architectural linings made of aluminium.

Circa Gallery, South Africa

Featuring an elliptical shape, this building has five hundred aluminium fins cladding the facade with seven shades of bronze used to show how the application of a variety of anodised colours on aluminium cladding can replicate the natural accent of different timber species.

Sports Hall St. Martin, Austria

Aluminium batten screens finished in natural tones are staggered across the building’s facade, with various colours and textures in the background. The variations provided by the dissimilar backdrops result in a more nature-inspired appearance.

Beefeater Gin Visitor Centre, United Kingdom

The building uses wide space intervals between each of the narrow copper-coloured aluminium battens, with the resulting reflections and shadows behind creating an ever-changing facade that brings about depth and a refreshing lack of monotonous uniformity. 

580 St. Kilda Road, Australia

The building facade employs Wood Grain, a relatively new technology where standard powder coating is first administered followed by the application of custom wood grain film to the aluminium. After the final bake, it’s difficult to tell the resulting decorative finish apart from real timber.

ASB Wynyard Quarter

Timber-look facade finishes can also be achieved using powder coatings available from leading companies such as Dulux and Interpon. These powder coatings are formulated to subtly change appearance with shifting light conditions throughout the day, mimicking the tactile appeal and intermediate shades of timber.