International Wood Magazine

Certified Wood and Tropical Timbers at the Lagoon Resort

Spotlight on Chengal and Kempas

Oceanfront Lagoon Restaurant sundeck with Balau hardwood decking, dining tables and chairs, alongside an Interholco certified wood advertisement featuring Sapelli, Sipo, Wenge, Khaya, Bilinga, Tali and Azobe timbers.
An Interholco advertisement for FSC-certified tropical hardwoods sits above a view of the Lagoon Resort's expansive Balau sundeck, designed for al-fresco oceanside dining.

rafters of Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis) are paired with weaved rattan on the ceiling, creating a casual yet sophisticated ambience. Adjoining the Arrival Lounge are the Sunrise Restaurant and the Paradise Bar. The bar's high pitch roofs are made of Merbau (Intsia spp.) rafters and Kempas trusses, coupled with weaved rattan ceilings. Solid Merbau strips line the floor of the bar.

The spa village is also maintained from the original blueprint of the resort. A pair of wooden swing doors framed within a timber archway welcome visitors for the ultimate pampering session. Merbau flooring has been creatively laid out in the shape of a heptagon echoing the shape of the roof. Timber latticework frames the outdoor greenery, complementing the warm brown hues. The long corridor leading to the treatment rooms is also lined with solid Merbau strips.

Balau (Shorea spp.) is unsurpassed for outdoor applications and is used for the decking surrounding The Lagoon Restaurant. The ocean facing side of the restaurant features an expansive sundeck also made of Balau. The restaurant

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SPOTLIGHT ON: CHENGAL

Species: Neobalanocarpus

Origin: Malaysia and Thailand

Common Applications: Mostly used for heavy construction, railway sleepers, and heavy duty furniture, decking, staircase, door and window frames.

Characteristics/Appearance: The heartwood is yellow-light brown with a greenish hue. As it ages, the color becomes dark purple or rust red.

Janka Hardness Scale: 2130 lb_f

Comments: The timber is durable and resistant to termite attack and fungal infestation. Planing is known to be easy with a smooth finish.


SPOTLIGHT ON: KEMPAS

Species: Koompassia malaccensis

Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia

Common Applications: Flooring, heavy construction, chairs, railroad ties, shingles, cabinets, veneers, plywood and pallets.

Characteristics/Appearance: Kempas has an orange-brown color similar to the appearance of Mahogany. The sapwood is yellow to pale white and the grain is spiraled, interlocked and coarse in texture.

Janka Hardness Scale: 1750 lb_f

Comments: Although Kempas is considered a difficult timber, the wood stains and glues very well. The species also sands well but requires some filling to ensure a good polish.


The Lagoon's expansive sundeck, perfect for al-fresco dining, is made of Balau.

Frequently asked questions

What wood species are used in the Arrival Lounge and Paradise Bar ceilings at the Lagoon Resort?+

The Arrival Lounge features Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis) rafters paired with weaved rattan ceilings. The Paradise Bar uses Merbau (Intsia spp.) rafters and Kempas trusses, also coupled with weaved rattan ceilings.

What wood is used for the decking and sundeck at The Lagoon Restaurant?+

Balau (Shorea spp.) is used for the decking surrounding The Lagoon Restaurant and for its expansive ocean-facing sundeck. Balau is unsurpassed for outdoor applications.

Why is Balau a preferred wood for outdoor decking?+

Balau (Shorea spp.) is unsurpassed for outdoor applications, making it ideal for decking and sundecks exposed to the elements.

What are the characteristics and hardness of Chengal wood?+

Chengal (Neobalanocarpus) heartwood is yellow-light brown with a greenish hue, darkening to purple or rust red with age. It has a Janka hardness of 2130 lb_f, is durable, resistant to termites and fungal infestation, and planes easily to a smooth finish.

Where does Kempas wood come from and what is it used for?+

Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis) originates from Malaysia and Indonesia. It is commonly used for flooring, heavy construction, chairs, railroad ties, shingles, cabinets, veneers, plywood, and pallets.

How is Merbau used in the Lagoon Resort's spa village?+

Merbau flooring is creatively laid out in the shape of a heptagon to echo the shape of the spa's roof. The long corridor leading to the treatment rooms is also lined with solid Merbau strips.