architecture

Panoramic view from Pier 4, Aarhus Ø. Photo ⓒ SmartDrones Aarhus / Flickr

The Danish island that tells its tale with African hardwood

30.01.2023. At first it was just a terrace made from Azobé in front of NAVITAS, but then Azobé ran all around it. The civil engineering institute of Aarhus University resides within NAVITAS, an authentic powerhouse of research, innovation and excellence on the island of Aarhus, Aarhus Ø in Danish.

‘Sustainable Hardwood Made in Africa’, transforming cities into built forests

24.11.2022. The building and construction sector is responsible for almost 40 percent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions globally. Innovation is making it feasible to use more wood in tall buildings and other infrastructure – helping us “green” our cities because wood stores carbon, requires less energy to produce than many other construction materials, and provides good insulation.

One simple step to truly make a difference for forests and climate

22.08.2022. Every week, the equivalent of all the buildings in Paris are built, globally and the pace is increasing. FSC^® has released a call to action for the construction sector: https://youtu.be/ROpmNhRviL0and INTERHOLCO is proud to be featured in FSC’s video.

‘Sustainable Hardwood – Made in Africa’ co-creating a sustainable future for people and planet

29.06.2022. Wood can be used for diverse purposes, with lower environmental impacts than many alternative materials. Wood used once can be reused and recycled, thereby extending its life and further reducing its material footprint.

Anchoring cities to forests

15.03.2022. Urban forests can transform cities into healthier places to live, not ‘just’ thanks to trees, but also through wood products for furniture and construction.

The future grows with wood

17.02.2022. One month into the new year, wood has turned into the cornerstone of future lifestyles. The ‘digital Neanderthal’ humans have as much of a tendency towards cool technology as they have a compelling desire for coziness, warm materials. In short: high-tech, high-touch – and wood is the natural choice.

My choice for wind design: wood

15.09.2021. A building represents an obstacle to the wind flow. The wind exerts pressures on the building that generate forces perpendicular to the building surface. Therefore, a building must be designed and dimensioned to withstand the strongest winds that are likely to occur during its lifetime at its location.

My choice for organic shapes: wood!

31.08.2021. Boat and furniture builders have been bending wood for many years, to meet hydrodynamic and ergonomic requirements. In buildings, however, these techniques are relatively uncommon.

Objects of art on a mission: a closer look at Africa’s ‘Forest dwellers’

23.02.2021.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), between 2000 and 2010, large-scale commercial agriculture (generally related to cattle ranching and the cultivation of soya bean and oil palm) accounted for 40% of tropical deforestation, and local subsistence agriculture another 33%.

Africa’s forest dwellers win Conversations about Climate Change competition

15.02.2021. Gorillas, Bongos, Forest elephants and Chimpanzees team up with British architect Tom Wilson in ‘Forest dwellers’, one of the winners of the Conversations about Climate Change competition. Is it possible to sustainably harvest timber and natural products, contributing to ethical and sustainable economies, as well as safeguarding habitats, biodiversity and the health of the Earth? The four Forest Dwellers have been conceived to ask this very question.

Such is the essence of home, such is the essence of Wengé (Millettia laurentii), a dark, marbled wood that walks you like no other in your stories

Form and function: Wenge (Millettia laurentii)

28.01.2021. Such is the essence of home: a place in which the well-being of bodies is encouraged, food and sleep are taken care of; caresses and laughter instigated; a place in which affection grows deeper. Such is the essence of Wengé (Millettia laurentii), a dark, marbled wood that walks you like no other in your stories of laughter and joy, stillness and meditation, sharing and giving.

Shining a light on wood for all seasons

02.12.2020. During the long, dark, off-season winter months, the lighting of this iconic open-air swimming amenity, designed by White Arkitekter, turns African wood into a dramatic experience. Offered by INTERHOLCO with FSC^® 100% certification, Azobé (Lophira alata) and Tali (Erythrophleum spp.) are as durable as they are water resistant, the ideal choice for projects in direct contact with sea water.

Why the United Nations chose Tali (Erythrophleum spp.) for the waterfront of their Copenhagen office

19.08.2020. This summer, if you happen to be around Copenhagen (Denmark), make plans to visit the United Nations City. Here, Tali, an African hardwood known for its durability, which INTERHOLCO offers with FSC^® certification, was chosen for the heavy decking that surrounds the building. With thousands crossing the beautiful waterfront daily, Tali literally paves the way to justice and respect, human rights, environmentally friendly considerations and, peace.

Natural sophistication in new Interholco brochure

04.04.2017. What would you call the colourful butterfly on the cover of our new brochure, but ‘natural wonder’?