Wooden battens may have a long and traditional history, but the way they’re being used on facades, walls and ceilings in homes today is thoroughly modern. It’s easy to see the appeal – as well as boasting warm, natural good looks, timber battens can help with everything from privacy and acoustic protection to sun and light control. Tempted to add them to the interior or exterior of your home? Here’s all you need to know.

What are timber battens?

A batten is a strip of material, historically wood but also of other materials such as aluminium, which is used in construction and shipbuilding (hence the phrase ‘batten down the hatches’). When multiple timber battens are used together in a series, they create a linear effect that adds texture, dimension and rhythm to a facade or interior.

Timber battens can be cut and crafted individually, or installed as a prefabricated and modular system. They can be used indoors or out to assist with privacy, sun and light control, visibility and acoustics, while adding a hefty dash of style.

Timbers and finishes

A wide range of woods can be used for timber battens, with each offering a different colour, grain and texture. Depending on the application and desired look, timber can be coated or finished with, for example, clear oil, water-based lacquers and burnished or brushed finishes. Vibe Design Group, the designers of this home, specified timber battens at each end of the horizontal volume to complement the timber cladding. They chose silver-top ash as it will grey beautifully over time, blending into the natural backdrop.

Dimensions, spacing and profiles

The dimensions of a timber batten relate to its width, depth and length. The required length of a batten will depend on the size of the space, wall or facade. The choice of the batten’s width and depth – whether thick and wide, slim and thin or anywhere in between – will depend on the desired look and feel. Spacing is the distance between each individual batten, and will not only affect the aesthetics but any ancillary function.

A minimum space of five or seven millimetres between battens is often required to help maintain privacy, improve acoustics and control sunlight. As the distance between battens increases, these abilities are reduced somewhat. However, visibility – being able to see through the series of battens – is improved, as can be seen in this home. Profile is the facing surface of the timber batten. There are various profiles to choose from, including square or rectangular flat-block, concave and convex (which produce undulating effects), and angled or pitched surfaces.

One great advantage of timber battens is they can be used on curved surfaces, creating a rounded and sculptural form.

Dimensions, spacing and profiles can be consistent and uniform, or they can be varied to create unique sequences for a customised look.

The facade of this home has silver-top ash battens with a natural oil finish. As the facade curves, the width and spacing of each batten expands (or decreases, depending on which way you look at it) to create a swooping effect that enhances the dynamic volume.

Here, battens of different lengths have been arranged to serve as cladding, screen and balustrade. Combining the different lengths means the spacing varies, as does the ability to see through the screen-like effect.

Batten systems

Battens are available in modular, prefabricated systems that are quicker and easier to install than a custom design. You can specify the timber, dimension, profile, spacing and even combinations of materials, spaces and sizes in order to achieve a specific look.

Privacy screen

Timber battens can serve as a screening device to limit views and enhance privacy. The combination of batten width and spacing will influence how much the batten’s screen; essentially, less space and wider battens equals less visibility and more privacy.

This house has a series of horizontal timber battens enclosing the front entrance. From the street, the battens obstruct the view of the stairs.