Nestled in the heart of a pine forest in Lääne County, on the north-western tip of Estonia, the Dirhami Nature Resort embodies a peaceful retreat where architecture and nature harmoniously intertwine. Conceived by architects Mari Hunt and Helmi Langsepp of MARIHUNT architects, the resort was designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings – a goal made possible by the use of Kebony wood, chosen to clad the buildings and exterior landscaping.
“The architectural language of the Dirhami Nature Resort reflects the subtle transformations of its natural environment. Arranged in a staggered pattern, the buildings follow the rhythm of the forest. The design, both minimalist and contemporary, is rooted in traditional Nordic aesthetics. The use of wood, particularly Kebony cladding, accentuates this organic integration into the landscape.”
– Mari Hunt and Helmi Langsepp, architects of this project
Just a 15-minute walk from the port of Dirhami, the Dirhami Nature Resort is set in an ever-changing landscape. Its four houses, totalling 275 m², are set in rolling grounds bordered by pine trees. Interconnected, they form a unique architectural ensemble that dialogues with its surroundings, thanks in particular to their Kebony wood cladding.
Designed to offer total immersion in nature, this retreat combines comfort and functionality while meeting visitors’ needs for solitude or sharing. The vast terraces of the houses offer contemplative spaces open onto the forest, while the communal terrace, linking the outdoor kitchen and sauna, forms the social heart of the estate. A Kebony wooden staircase leads to the top of the sauna, revealing a panoramic view of a profusion of blueberries.
An ecological material for a sustainable vision
The entire complex is based on wooden structures, with facades and terraces clad in Kebony Character wood. This material, renowned for its exceptional durability and minimal maintenance, met the expectations of architects and owners concerned with respectfully anchoring the building in the forest landscape.
“The customer wanted a façade that would age naturally, without requiring any maintenance. Kebony was the ideal solution, offering longevity of at least 30 years while developing an elegant patina over time”, explain the architects.
Developed in Norway, Kebony technology is a patented, environmentally-friendly process that modifies softwoods from sustainable sources by “curing” the wood with a product of organic origin. By polymerizing the wood’s cell wall, the softwood permanently adopts the attributes of tropical hardwood, while minimizing its impact on the environment. The original brown hue fades naturally over time, developing an elegant gray patina that allows the complex here to blend into the nuances of the forest.
The Dirhami Nature Resort project has been nominated in two categories for the 2024 Best Wooden Architecture Award. It notably won the Raitwood Award, recognizing the best application of wood. Its integration into the landscape, the choice of a sustainable material, and the natural aesthetic evolution of its facade were key criteria for the jury.
The products were supplied by Kebony’s trusted partner: Vivarec OÜ.
Based in Norway, Kebony is one of the most interesting technology companies on the planet. It produces the most durable and resilient alternative to hardwood and helps the world reduce its CO2 emissions.
Kebony® technology permanently transforms sustainable softwoods, such as pine, into doubly modified wood with characteristics comparable to, and in some cases superior to, those of precious tropical hardwoods. The company’s patented production processes result in products offering major improvements in durability and dimensional stability while remaining naturally aesthetic.
Mainly used for cladding and decking, Kebony products are chosen for a multitude of outdoor applications and design projects in over 100 countries worldwide. Indeed, the need for responsible alternatives in construction is intensifying, and sustainable wood is becoming the new norm.
In October 2021, Kebony announced the completion of a €30 million fundraising round, led by Jolt Capital and Lightrock. The recent investment by the two companies will support Kebony’s growth strategy, which will rely on significant operational scalability to continue its development.