Nestled among pine, birch and ferns

Set within a lush plot in Brasschaat, the residential studio-house for the textile brand Maison Tricot combines both home and workplace in one elegant volume. The slender building, designed by Vlaminck Van Wetter, opens widely to the surrounding forest and blurs the boundaries between interior and nature. Completed at the end of 2024, the project offers a modern interpretation of a “cabin in the woods.” Here, architecture, landscape and sustainable materials come together in perfect harmony.

Black Kebony wood: bold, refined, natural

For the façade, the architects chose vertical boards of Kebony Clear in a new deep-black stain (19 × 105 mm). The finish draws inspiration from the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique; however, it retains the warmth and texture of real wood. Over time, the façade will develop a soft silver patina. This evolving look adds depth and character, echoing the calm beauty of dawn and dusk.

The dark cladding highlights the clean lines of the design. In addition, it allows the structure to blend gently into the forest canopy. Large bay windows create contrast and bring light inside. As a result, the building remains closely connected to its environment through materiality and form.

“The image of a cabin in the woods guided the entire project. The appearance of Kebony wood and its natural evolution over time were essential to creating this atmosphere. Beyond its aesthetics, its durability and sustainable production method perfectly matched our vision for this building, which was constructed to be as climate-neutral as possible,” explains Vlaminck Van Wetter.

A creative sanctuary rooted in nature

Designed for Maison Tricot founders Ilia and Elke Eckhardt, the building merges studio and home in one fluid space. During construction, only a few trees were moved. Consequently, the volume weaves naturally among the pine and birch trunks. Inside and outside are connected through light, silence and material continuity. This balance creates an atmosphere ideal for reflection, creation and calm.

By choosing Kebony wood, the architects surely achieved an aesthetic that feels both modern and anchored in nature. Moreover, this approach perfectly reflects a brand whose craftsmanship celebrates material and landscape.

Sustainable technology, timeless performance

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s patented Dually Modified™ technology transforms FSC®-certified softwood through a bio-based heating process. During this process, the wood cell walls polymerise, giving the material the durability and stability of tropical hardwood — without the high environmental impact.

As a result, Kebony wood is weather-resistant, low-maintenance and long-lasting. Furthermore, it ages gracefully, developing unique character over time.

In this project, the Kebony solution combines high performance with timeless beauty. Therefore, it is ideal for an architecture that aims to be both climate-neutral and visually rich.

Why this façade system works

  • Real wood appearance with the longevity of tropical hardwood

  • Deep black finish specially developed for this project, with visible texture

  • Vertical installation emphasising height and slenderness

  • Low-maintenance and highly durable in the Belgian climate

  • Sustainable production and sourcing aligned with the client’s green vision

  • A façade that evolves gently over time, blending naturally with its woodland setting