Harmony of Wood & Light in a Space - Calvary Carpentry and Sol Luminaire

In Conversation: Ruben Chong, Founder of Calvary Carpentry, on the Harmony of Wood & Light in a Space 

Wood has long been cherished for its natural beauty, versatility, and warmth. But the true potential of the material is fully realised when paired with thoughtfully designed lighting. Whether it’s the subtle glow that highlights the intricate grain of a timber beam or the strategic use of lighting to accentuate a hand-carved wooden feature, the combination of these elements can elevate a design from ordinary to extraordinary. In this conversation, Ruben Chong, founder of Calvary Carpentry, sheds some light on how his firm has mastered the art of integrating wood with illumination. He also provides a unique perspective on the sustainability movement in the carpentry industry and how homeowners can creatively incorporate wooden designs into their homes.

How has Calvary Carpentry evolved since its inception over a decade ago? 

Starting Calvary Carpentry as a sole proprietorship in 2011 was a leap of faith driven by a vision to bring quality timber solutions to the market. In 2014, we took a significant step forward by incorporating Calvary Carpentry Pte Ltd and achieving SCAL and BCA registration, which marked our transition from a small operation to a recognised entity in the industry. In 2023, we opened a dedicated retail showroom in Marina Square, designed specifically for designers and architects. This year has been particularly exciting as we resumed participation in international exhibitions post-pandemic, engaging with the industry at three major events in 2024 and one in 2023. Our growth has also led us beyond Singapore; we’re now expanding from Johor, Malaysia, to Kuala Lumpur, marking a new chapter in our journey. 

How have homeowners creatively used wood or timber in their home designs? 

Homeowners in Singapore have often used wooden flooring to bring a touch of warmth and texture into their homes. Wooden panelling on the walls as a focal point is also effective in adding a sense of grounding to the space. But what is relatively uncommon is installing wooden planks onto the ceiling. If done correctly in a lofty space, the natural grain, colour and texture of the wood will draw the eye upwards, adding depth and character to the space. 

What are some of the main differences between solid wood and wood laminate finishings?

 Although both wood laminate and solid wood add natural warmth to the interiors, each plank of solid wood has unique grain patterns which furthers the organic feel of the space. If required, carving, staining and finishing can be done to solid wood to achieve bespoke details. On the other hand, laminate can provide versatile looks, offering imitations of exotic wood species of patterns not commonly found in nature. Durability is also a factor when choosing between the two as solid wood, although extremely durable, is prone to expansion and contraction with changes in humidity and temperature which can lead to warping. Wood laminate is less reactive to environmental changes and will maintain its shape and appearance over time but is prone to water damage and should be avoided in wet areas. 

What’s something homeowners should look out for when illuminating wooden surfaces? 

One of the main factors when illuminating wooden surfaces is to ensure that the colour temperature of the lighting matches the wood type. As different types of wood have their distinct hues, warmer lights (3000K) work best for woods with red, brown or yellow tones while neutral lighting (4000K) will better suit lighter-tone woods like maple or birch. Can you share examples where lighting played a key role in highlighting craftsmanship? Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing the intricate craftsmanship in each of our projects, though the initial designs are technically created by architects. Our role is to bring these designs to life through careful execution and material selection, often involving a process of trial and error. For instance, one project involved an interior three-story bi-window screen and cladding for an open courtyard designed to both illuminate and circulate air throughout all floors. The architects envisioned this screen as a central design feature, and we focused on perfecting the installation and material choices to highlight its intricate details and ensure effective light diffusion. 

How does sustainability play a role in Calvary Carpentry’s practice? 

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Calvary Carpentry. Our commitment drives us to continually innovate and improve our practices. We’ve moved beyond traditional hardwood materials to include more sustainable options like modified pine (accoya) and bamboo which are fast-growing species. One of our proudest innovations is the Ez Rail® Removable Decking System. It’s specially designed for Singapore’s climate and offers a practical solution with minimal maintenance and easy removability. We’ve noticed a significant shift in both homeowners and commercial clients who are increasingly focused on sustainability. Many are actively seeking eco-friendly solutions and products that align with their values. This growing awareness is inspiring and reinforces our commitment to providing green building-certified products and sustainable solutions. 

What are some projects you’d love to work on in the future?

Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about the prospect of working on projects that push the boundaries of sustainable design and fully utilise our high-specification materials. I’m also interested in creating eco-friendly urban spaces that seamlessly integrate with Singapore’s unique climate. Projects such as green building structures, public spaces, and landmarks that combine aesthetic appeal with environmental benefits and align with Singapore's green building vision would be incredibly fulfilling. I’m also eager to explore more opportunities for large-scale commercial projects where we can showcase our craftsmanship and the durability of our materials. For example, developing custom timber features for prominent buildings, similar to our work on the Artyzen Hotel, or undertaking unique architectural installations akin to our projects with Babilou, would be very exciting. Overall, any project that allows us to blend cutting-edge design with our expertise in durable timber solutions while addressing contemporary sustainability challenges, is something I would be thrilled to pursue.