Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026

Durable design

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about durable design

Project • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanFire stations

Fire station Wegberg

The new fire station for Wegberg has a wooden construction and Marugame cladding thanks to the design of Scheidt Kasprusch Architekten! The reasons for a wooden construction are because of its beauty, sustainability and energy efficiency. Constantin Meyer Fotografie Designed as a passive house, the fire station focuses on the sustainable use of materials and resources. A high ecological standard is ensured by reusable and recyclable building materials and energy-optimised equipment. Constantin Meyer Fotografie Finally, economic quality is largely ensured by low-maintenance components and materials, including the Marugame cladding. Constantin Meyer Fotografie More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanKyushu

Kyushu

Robust scales, versatile and contemporary Kyushu has a robust pattern with large scales. After the wood has been carefully charred by our fire masters Kyushu is brushed and treated afterwards. This makes the robust scales clearly visible.Kyushu is made from Pinus Radiata, a fast-growing pine species from FSC® certified forests in New Zealand. The wood is thermally modified by heating it up to 230° Celsius. Because of this process, the wood type has a durability class 1 (EN350) certification. Kyushu has a lifespan of at least 30 years. Kyushu is a natural product. This means that individual planks may differ from one another. More

Project • By Urbane KulturSwimming Pools

Nordic Pool Erstein

The new Nordic pool in Erstein is an extension of the existing aquatic center, whose expressive architecture is surprising: shell-shaped, garish colors, large bay windows. The Nordic extension project takes the opposite approach to the existing building thanks to a refined and sober expression.  Guillaume Porche Guillaume Porche Guillaume Porche Guillaume Porche The new 25m outdoor pool is located at the heart of a strongly connoted space that is perceived as a patio or an "open-air room." This new place is an outdoor space perceived as a warm interior, a setting that accommodates the stainless steel pool. Guillaume Porche Guillaume Porche The walls of this outdoor room border the public domain to the no... More

Project • By LDCwoodCar Parks

Diepenbeek - Bouwcampus

At the Limburg DC Bouwcampus 2.0 in Diepenbeek, a modular parking building designed by Jaspers-Eyers Architects in collaboration with Democo applies circular construction principles to a functional typology. The structure integrates modularity, disassembly, and traceability to support long-term adaptability. Scalable and adaptable designThe structure is based on a modular system, allowing for expansion up to 500 parking spaces. Its design enables future repurposing or relocation, aligning with flexibility goals from the outset. POM Limburg Detachable timber façadeThe facade is composed of ThermoWood® pine slats from LDCwood, installed as detachable elements intended for reuse. The material is thermally modified for improve... More

Product • By AddenddaIzi by crahayjamaigne

Izi by crahayjamaigne

 Izi is a soliflore designed to hold a flower or twig and add a touch of originality to your interior space. It consists of an aluminum tube, skilfully curved to ensure its own balance, and a removable, watertight stopper. Depending on the end at which you place the cap, you can opt for a low posture, ideal for a short stem, or choose the high posture for a longer stem. This feature also makes it possible to arrange two vases side by side, adding an aesthetic and playful dimension. Izi is available in eight timeless matte shades selected to illuminate your interior. In addition to the eight shades, the stopper is also available in light oak and shaded walnut. Personalize your soliflore by choosing from this wide range of choices, and... More

Product • By AddenddaJoseph by crahayjamaigne

Joseph by crahayjamaigne

Joseph is a solid wood shelf designed to fit seamlessly into all interior spaces. With its various lengths and multiple aluminum accessories, it meets the specific needs of your living room, entryway, bedroom, or workspace. The shelf is easy to install, modular, and multifunctional. Made from high-quality materials, it ensures both durability and an attractive aesthetic. Each piece is crafted in workshops by renowned regional companies. The shelves are mounted with completely invisible wall brackets, allowing them to be arranged end-to-end or stacked. Joseph’s creative potential is enabled by a simple and intuitive grooving system, allowing accessories to be easily placed and adjusted according to your evolving needs and aesthetic... More

Product • By LemahieuFire retardant ThermoWood® Ayous

Fire retardant ThermoWood® Ayous

With Lemahieu Fire Protection®, we offer the ability to treat wood and ThermoWood® products by vacuum pressure, fire retardant with the fire retardant, Burnblock®. ThermoWood® ayous from LDCwood has durability class 1 and we can provide fire retardant treatment to the desired reaction to fire class, up to B-s1,d0, in accordance with European standard EN13501. Caption Caption Caption More

Product • By LemahieuFire retardant ThermoWood Pine

Fire retardant ThermoWood Pine

With Lemahieu Fire Protection®, we offer the ability to treat wood and ThermoWood® products by vacuum pressure, fire retardant with the fire retardant, Burnblock®. ThermoWood® pine from LDCwood has durability class 1 and we can provide fire retardant treatment to the desired reaction to fire class, up to B-s1,d0, in accordance with European standard EN13501. More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanShodoshima

Shodoshima

For Shodoshima, the wood is cut parallel to the annual rings (Dosse). This gives Shodoshima a beautiful flame pattern. The planks are charred in our own oven. The wood is then brushed and treated again. The robust and lively grain structure is clearly visible and gleams beautifully in the sun. Shodoshima is resistant to all weather conditions and does not stain. After charring and brushing, Shodoshima is treated with our Bito Black. Bito Black provides good protection against water, dirt, mould and other deposits. We recommend repeating this treatment every 3 to 5 years. Shodoshima is made of Douglas fir from sustainably managed European forests. The durability of Douglas wood is Class 3 and is therefore very suitable for use as wall clad... More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanSakaide

Sakaide

Sakaide is made of Douglas fir from sustainably managed European forests. Characteristic of Douglas wood is the scent and the presence of knots. These knots may be visible in the flame pattern. The contrast between the dark and light parts of the wood gives Sakaide a beautiful, rustic look. The planks are cut flat (with the growth rings) and charred in our oven. They are then carefully brushed, thereby creating a characteristic relief of the flame pattern. Sakaide exudes a timeless, but warm atmosphere as a façade, but also on walls, tables and other interior applications. After charring and brushing, Sakaide is treated with our Bito Clear or Bito Orange.Bito Clear is a transparent oil for interior applications. The oil hardens und... More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanTakamatsu

Takamatsu

Takamatsu wood is cut at right angles to the growth rings (quarters/false quarters). This cutting method gives Takamatsu a special but fine, linear structure and a classic, calm feel. The planks are charred in our own oven after which the wood is brushed and treated again. Takamatsu is resistant to all weather conditions and does not stain. After charring and brushing, Takamatsu is treated with our Bito Black. Bito Black provides good protection against water, dirt, mould and other deposits. We recommend repeating this treatment every 3 to 5 years. Takamatsu is made of Douglas fir from sustainably managed European forests. The durability of Douglas wood is Class 3 and is therefore very suitable for use as wall cladding. Characteristic of... More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanNakatado

Nakatado

Nakatado is charred by our fire masters and then brushed and treated with Bito Black. This brings out the lively grain structure which has a height difference of about 1-2 mm between the higher and lower parts. Nakatado is resistant to all weather conditions and does not stain. The flat flame pattern adds a touch of serenity and gives the room a contemporary feel. The versatility of the wood makes Nakatado a great alternative for applications that require a highly durable wood type. After charring and brushing, Nakatado is treated with our Bito Black which provides good protection against water, dirt, mould and other deposits. We recommend repeating this treatment every 3 to 5 years. We can also provide a silk gloss and/or scratchproof coa... More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanNaoshima

Naoshima

Naoshima is our version of Shou Sugi Ban and the primary product we are proud of at Zwarthout. Naoshima has an irregular but characteristic pattern, which gleams beautifully in the sun. The brittle, black carbon layer ages over the years acquiring a beautiful patina (weathering), which fits the Japanese philosophy of life of Wabi Sabi. The philosophy of Wabi Sabi embraces the serene beauty of transience and imperfection. Noashima is particularly suitable for exterior applications. The carbon stains somewhat, but it does not wash out when it rains. The brittle coal layer requires a specific detailing of the building to reduce the influence of wind and weather. We recommend that this type not be used above a height of 6 metres above ground l... More

Product • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi BanOmiyama

Omiyama

Omiyama’s hard carbon layer gives a brilliant bronze glow in the sun. The deep-charred carbon layer has a robust appearance with an irregular structure and can withstand harsh weather conditions. This makes Omiyama very suitable as durable facade cladding. In addition to the carbon-only version, we can also supply Omiyama that has undergone a Bito White treatment. This is a water-based ecological resin and will tone down the outer surface, make it slightly more matt and prevent the carbon from staining. This makes the treated version of the product extremely suitable for interior applications.  Omiyama is made of Fraké wood. A sustainable product of Fraké wood, which has undergone hydrothermal modification (in bri... More

Product • By LODESJIM

JIM

Immediate function, uncomplicated style, durable materials, modular at will. Caption Inspired by the abat-jours of the ateliers of the early 1900s, JIM is a system of suspension lamps with distinctive shapes and a versatile composition that suits any interiors and living environment. Caption JIM’s versatility is further enhanced by the colour range: the two finishes for the shades can be combined with the two different suspension hook hues as desired. Caption Caption More