Commercial Office
GMD Office
Modular Timberline Batten System for Large-Scale Commercial Interior Alignment
Architect
Abu Design Studio
year
2019
location
North Jakarta, Indonesia
size
600 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
GMD Office required a large-scale interior architectural timber system across approximately 600 m² of commercial floor area in Pantai Indah Kapuk.
The challenge was not material selection. It was alignment discipline across long interior runs within an active commercial building.
Objective
The objective was to validate Timberline as a scalable interior system by proving:
• Repeatable modular spacing logic
• Tolerance control across extended batten installations
• Stable performance in air-conditioned environments
• Installation sequencing compatible with commercial schedules
This project tested whether architectural timber could perform as a disciplined system, not decorative cladding.
The Constraints
Alignment Across Long Wall Runs
The project required consistent vertical spacing across extended interior partitions and multiple spatial zones.
Minor deviations in spacing or plumb alignment would compound visually across distance. Tolerance discipline was critical.
Integration with Mechanical Systems
The batten geometry had to coordinate precisely with:
• Lighting tracks
• HVAC diffusers
• Ceiling grids
• Glass partitions
Timber elements could not visually conflict with mechanical systems. Interface detailing required pre-planned installation sequencing.
Clean Fixing Requirements
All battens were exposed. Visible fixings were unacceptable.
Mechanical attachment had to remain concealed while maintaining stability over time.
The Engineering
Material Selection Strategy
Spruce was selected for its:
• Straight grain consistency
• Low density for easier installation
• Dimensional predictability in conditioned interiors
• Machinability for repeatable profiles
For non-load-bearing architectural applications, spruce offers efficiency without unnecessary structural mass.
Modular Batten Fabrication
Each Timberline batten was dimensioned using controlled spacing modules.
Installation relied on:
• Pre-calculated fixing intervals
• Consistent profile depth
• Alignment guides to prevent cumulative deviation
Spacing logic was treated as a system, not decorative placement.
Interior Environmental Stability
All elements are located within a conditioned envelope.
Stable indoor humidity minimizes timber movement, supporting long-term alignment integrity.
System Role
The battens function as architectural zoning elements.
They:
• Define circulation paths
• Provide partial visual separation
• Filter light
• Maintain openness
They do not carry structural loads but contribute to spatial clarity through repetition and proportion.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Large-Scale Alignment Achieved
The Timberline system maintained consistent vertical spacing and plumb alignment across a 600 m² office environment.
No cumulative distortion was observed across long interior runs.
Modular Interior System Validated
This project confirmed that Timberline can function as a repeatable interior module rather than bespoke decorative detailing.
Spacing logic and installation sequencing can be standardized for future commercial deployments.
Precision Defines Perception
In linear interior systems, small misalignments become amplified.
This project reinforced that tolerance control in minor elements determines overall spatial clarity.
Architectural Integration Capability
The successful coordination between timber partitions and building services strengthened Woodlam’s ability to integrate architectural timber within active commercial environments.
Location
North Jakarta, Indonesia
Pantai Indah Kapuk Penjaringan, 14470 INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
What is Timberline in this project?
Timberline is Woodlam’s modular architectural batten system. At GMD Office, it was applied to interior partitions and semi-exterior facade zones under controlled detailing to create consistent vertical geometry across a 600 m² workspace.
Are the spruce battens structural?
No. The battens are non-load-bearing architectural components. The primary structure remains concrete and steel. Timberline shapes space and light, not structural load paths.
Why was spruce chosen instead of hardwood?
Spruce offers straight grain consistency, lighter weight, and efficient machining. For interior architectural systems where structural capacity is not required, spruce provides dimensional reliability and fabrication efficiency.
What does this project demonstrate about interior timber systems?
It demonstrates that precision batten systems can operate at scale in commercial environments when spacing logic, tolerance control, and installation sequencing are treated as engineered processes rather than decorative detailing.