When it comes to surface finishing, the challenge for many designers is in finding that 'exact, perfect' match. Often subtley contributing to the overall effect of a space, laminates and melamines are a core component of any design fit-out and vital to achieving a space's design intent.
polytec's core palette of laminates and melamines has been expanded and embellished with the addition of WOODMATT, a range of subtle woodgrain-embossed matte finished laminates. Made in Australia, WOODMATT is a next generation product innovation that combines the best of natural timber with the most advanced technology. "The product," says Marylou Cafaro, designer and trend forecaster, "is a game changer for the surfaces industry and designers alike. Its exceptional print quality, super matte surface finish, and tweaking of natural timbers with contemporary tones raises the bar for standard laminates and melamines."
Created to match those natural qualities we associate with authentic timber veneer, such as look, feel and warmth, WOODMATT encompasses 12 unique prints and colours in options of laminate and board. "The range is ideal for use on horizontal or vertical surfaces including joinery, walls, benchtops and more, and purpose designed for durability, easy clean, scratch resistance, and a consistent and fade-free appearance,' explains Marylou. "Sheet sizes for all products in the polytec laminate and melamine family are aligned to marketplace preference for working with 300mm modules," meaning each WOODMATT option can be mixed and matched within the range and across polytec's entire collection.
Possibility lies at the heart of WOODMATT, custom developed to offer a vast array of timber finish options. The range offers a choice of nine oaks, two walnuts and a beech, each with varying degrees of grain refinement and light or dark contrasts.
Allowing for different design aesthetics to be created, the oaks family of finishes encompasses cool to warm tones with subdued planking patterns and a soft blend of colours.
Expanding beyond oaks into a series of new-look walnuts is WOODMATT's Florentine Walnut structure - more traditional in style with rich chocolate and monochromatic light to dark browns. Offering a contrast of subtle warmth is the Notaio Walnut with a more yellow base, overlaid with contemporary grey tones. Finally, the specially developed Casentino Beech, inspired by an Italian plantation, offers softer tones and a more refined grain with sensitive grey undertones - a fresh take on more traditional beeches. Taking the range beyond its 12 new timber colours, WOODMATT is also available in a popular Palace Teak timber print in addition to Solid Black.
In addition to naming WOODMATT products so that specifiers can easily visualise the colour and structure of the product, polytec has produced the range in residential and commercial sheet sizes - across laminate and board options.
The ultimate in versatility, WOODMATT addresses competing demands of finish, colour, application and sizing to offer designers what is one of the industry's most versatile surface finishes. The opportunities for design expression are without limitation. The result - a true reflection of a designer's creative vision.
Article published in Indesign Magazine May 2018
Images courtesy of Fairhaven Homes
