Cotton Tree by Mosaic

Project Overview

Perched above the river mouth at Cotton Tree, this Mosaic development captures the essence of coastal living with an architectural language defined by calm precision and natural warmth. Designed by Bureau^Proberts and constructed by Mosaic Construction, the project called for soffit and batten detailing that could seamlessly complement its setting - uninterrupted, organic, and beautifully restrained.

To achieve this, MBS Architectural supplied a fully concealed Apollo Aluminium Soffit System in Blonde Oak, delivering a continuous timber-look finish without visible trims or fixings. This approach removed the visual interruptions often seen at junctions and edges, resulting in a smooth, cohesive surface that reads as one unbroken plane from curved edge to curved edge.

The design intent centred on true seamlessness. Our proprietary Apollo fixing system locks boards and battens into a flush plane with concealed mechanical connections, ensuring shadow-free joints and precision alignment. The result is a ceiling that captures the illusion of real timber while maintaining a consistent rhythm and softness across the building’s curved canopy and soffit lines.

Performance was equally critical. The soffit’s aluminium substrate, paired with a durable timber-grain finish, offers the tactile warmth of wood without its maintenance demands - an essential feature in a marine environment exposed to salt, humidity, and sun. This combination delivers enduring stability while upholding Mosaic’s high standards for both quality and longevity.

To further unify the design, Apollo 2-piece Aluminium Battens (100 × 50 mm) were specified in the same Blonde Oak tone, extending the linear aesthetic from the soffit into adjacent canopy and outdoor ceiling zones. This ensured a continuous architectural language throughout, where every element - from soffit to batten - contributes to the same calm, cohesive composition.

Behind the scenes, the detailing tells its own story. A proprietary trim-free perimeter and concealed carrier system were developed to maintain clean terminations against glazing and façade interfaces. The precision of these junctions allows the soffit to merge effortlessly with surrounding architectural forms, reinforcing the minimalist design intent.

The final result is a soffit that feels both effortless and refined, a technical achievement disguised as simplicity. It elevates the building’s coastal outlook through subtle craftsmanship, demonstrating how performance engineering and architectural beauty can exist in perfect harmony.

Details

Project Name:
Cotton Tree by Mosaic
‍
‍Architect:
Bureau^Proberts

Developer / Builder:Mosaic Construction

‍Installer:
Decs Construction

Design Team:
Mosaic Design

‍Products:
Apollo+ Aluminium Soffit Liner - Blonde Oak Apollo - 100 × 50mm
Apollo+ Two Piece Battens - Blonde Oak Coverage - Approx. 500 m² total
System Notes: Proprietary trim-free perimeter, concealed mechanical fixings, clean terminations at glazing and façade interfaces
‍

‍
‍