Making a Big Statement in a Small Space with STRUCTAply™ Square Edge

In small projects, every detail matters. That philosophy shaped the creation of Orchard Studio Architects’ own studio space and subsequent work at The Pump House. Both projects demonstrate how thoughtfully specified timber can transform compact environments into warm, textural and highly functional spaces.

STRUCTAply® Square Edge played a central role, delivering structural reliability, natural beauty and responsible sourcing in one versatile solution.

The Vision

For Orchard Studio, Architect Brad Wray drew inspiration from rural sheds constructed from thick sheets of timber. Externally, corrugated iron cladding created a familiar agricultural form, while internally the ambition was to introduce warmth, texture and material honesty.

Rather than using plywood purely as a substrate, Wray specified STRUCTAply® Square Edge as a visible lining material. The brief was clear: celebrate the knots and grain of Hoop Pine, avoid an overly refined finish, and express the natural character of timber in a way that felt robust and authentic.

Sheets were deliberately cut to leave exposed black edges, creating subtle contrast and accentuating the layered construction of the ply.

Why STRUCTAply® Square Edge

STRUCTAply® Square Edge is manufactured using timber sourced from renewable plantation forests and produced with A Bond glue to meet Super E0 formaldehyde emission standards, supporting healthier indoor environments.

Lightweight yet highly durable, STRUCTAply® Square Edge enabled both projects to reduce waste through efficient handling and installation.

For The Pump House, Architect Nicholas Russo initially envisioned a warm, cocoon-like timber interior. While hardwood lining was considered, budget constraints required a smarter alternative. STRUCTAply® Square Edge delivered the same sense of warmth and texture with added resilience, standing up to the knocks and wear of a hospitality setting.

As Russo described it, it is “a material of integrity.” Its layered construction ensures that even when bumped or dented, the surface maintains its character rather than failing like thinner veneers.

The Outcome

Across both projects, STRUCTAply® Square Edge demonstrates how structural plywood can become a defining architectural feature. The result is:

• Warm, textural interiors grounded in natural timber character
• Durable linings suited to high-use environments
• Responsibly sourced materials supporting sustainable design
• Efficient installation with long-term flexibility

In compact spaces, thoughtful material selection makes all the difference. With STRUCTAply® Square Edge, performance and design work seamlessly together, proving that even small spaces can make a lasting statement.