Jacket Bar

• Client: Bord Products / Proper Carpentry
• Design: Studio Heck
• Location: Thornbury, Victoria
• Completion: May 2026

A Thornbury jazz bar designed entirely from a playlist, the Jacket Bar fit-out required a material that could support a custom acoustic mix described as “a little bit playful, a little bit moody.” Touchwood Blackwood Veneer Panels took centre stage in this evocative space, providing the essential warmth and texture that a nostalgic venue demands. To deepen the natural allure, the panels were treated with a custom walnut coating, darkening the overall tone to achieve a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere.

Inspiration & Customization

The Jacket Bar needed to balance individual expression with a unified design language. In this instance, the creative decision to stain the natural Blackwood veneer gave license to creativity. It allowed the panels to blend into the diverse surrounding timber elements, ensuring precise control over the overall theme. Crucially, the custom coloration darkened the panel face while allowing the spectacular native grain of the Blackwood to remain fully on show.

Precision Mismatching Veneer Pattern

To reflect the playful nature of a jazz playlist, the Touchwood veneer panels were produced using a traditional veneer joining technique called “mismatching.” In this sophisticated process, leaves are taken from various batches of veneer and assembled in a deliberate, random pattern. This technique not only ensures maximum recovery and responsible use of the native material but gives a balanced, consistent, and authentic effect over a large number of panels.

Ease of Installation

In the tight world of commercial fit-outs, where multiple trades must synchronize within restricted timelines, efficiency is paramount. The Touchwood tongue-and-groove system significantly reduced installation time on the Jacket Bar project. This easy installation was crucial, allowing Propper Carpentry to achieve a flawless finish quickly and hand the site back to the client on schedule.