Click-on batten systems offer designers the freedom to create customised features across walls or ceilings, whether paired with perforated metal ceiling panels for added acoustic performance or used alongside suspended ceiling metal frameworks for seamless integration. These systems allow personalisation through the selection of profile, spacing, material, finish, and coating—resulting in a tailored aesthetic for any project. While designers enjoy flexibility in achieving their vision, the simple click-on mechanism ensures fast, precise installation without compromising on design intent.
How it works
Timber or aluminium battens can be simply push-clicked atop mounting tracks and positioned behind the battens with a concealer. While the tracks were fixed to the substrate before clipping on the battens, the batten clips were factory-fixed to the tracks at a specified spacing sequence.
The best customisation
Lighting and other services may detract from a feature batten wall or ceilings – such as with aluminium timber look cladding materials – but these pitfalls won’t stop lighting from boosting its outlook. There are many ways how to integrate lighting into your wall, but it’s important to be aware of some rules that concern its expected outcome:
- Make sure your lighting engineer is accessible and that you have asked for some advice regarding any custom solutions they might suggest.
- Some click-on batten systems are designed with specifications such as weight per sq. m. Know the limit.
- A small hole will be needed for the wiring so that it can be easily passed through our acoustic backing.
Lights/downlights
This is commonly popular for integration into a suspended batten ceiling because of the many ways it can be used. Consider these when designing with downlights:
- To be square or to fit the radius of a round light, you may cut the battens on-site.
- Battens that were cut to fit the light should overhang not more than the track 150mm. If you would have to do a further overhang, use an extra short track piece.
- Install the lights between the battens for applications if there’s a large space between the battens.
Linear lights
Linear lights, being the most common light to be integrated into the click-on battens system, provide a variety of lighting solutions. Placing the light in the space between the batten or removal of a batten part to be replaced by the light are the options.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding on linear lighting solutions:
- Install them in the space between could be your best bet as it is the simplest one. But, since this option may disrupt the ceiling’s texture, it tends to provide a non-polished look.
- Consider the size of the light fixture vs the size of the batten before you decide to cut out the batten to install a light in its place. Recess into the ceiling in line with battens if the light fixtures are taller. Remove the track behind, but it is recommended that lights matching the width of the batten should be used to maintain that clean and consistent look.
- If it overhangs at 150mm, you may need to install a mounting track together with an extra TCR as battens get cut.
- Take note that if the light covers the entire room, you may avoid getting the battens cut.
Inlaid lights
Integrating the lighting into the battens themselves is what we call inlaid lights. To insert the lighting fixture into a groove, route a groove in the face of the batten. The lights get seamlessly integrated into the system through the inlaid lighting method.
Ultimately, the true strength of click-on batten systems is their flexibility to accommodate various lighting options while still preserving both aesthetics and functionality. By understanding the installation guidelines and working closely with lighting and acoustic consultants, designers can unlock the full potential of their batten features—delivering standout results that balance creativity, compliance, and construction ease.
