Architect Benoît Viaene is renowned for his sophisticated approach to living. He designs buildings and interiors, and also creates custom furniture that is in demand worldwide. The choice of materials plays a key role in his work. One material stands out for him: ThermoWood^®. In this interview, he explains why he uses this thermally modified wood so often and how it enables him to combine aesthetics and sustainability.

Viaene's working method is unique. He designs and supervises the entire process himself. This ranges from architecture to interior design. "This integrated approach allows me to apply a single, clear design language to every project," he explains. "I work with carefully selected materials, and over the years I have developed my own aesthetic, which is reflected in both the interior and exterior."

Viaene also seeks the same coherence when creating personalised coffee and dining tables. What started as a side project has grown into an international business. "Demand is particularly high in the United States. More than 80% of my table sales are to the US.” This international popularity requires materials that are aesthetically pleasing and structurally reliable.

The stable beauty of ThermoWood^®

Thermally modified wood, and more specifically ThermoWood^®, is a staple in Viaene's work. "I often use it for façade finishes, window frames and fixed furniture. But I also regularly use it to make my tables. My preferred types are ThermoWood^® Fraké and ThermoWood^® Ayous,” he says.

Why this preference? According to Viaene, the stability of ThermoWood^® is a decisive advantage. "Compared to oak, for example, which is often not dried properly and can therefore warp, ThermoWood^® is much more reliable. It can be worked without unwanted deformation. Even when I burn the wood, it remains flat. This is essential in my work because I strive for long-term aesthetics.”

Furniture design for a global audience

Viaene's tables are usually transported by plane, but sometimes by sea container. "Then you don't know where that container will be for weeks: in the sun, in damp conditions, and so on. This can have major consequences for unstable types of wood. But with ThermoWood^®, I don't have to worry about that. That's what makes it so suitable for facade applications: it is hardly sensitive to weather influences.”

Viaene also appreciates the creative possibilities offered by the material. "I like to work with ThermoWood^® Fraké, either leaving it natural or processing it — sculpting, burning, bleaching, and so on. The finishing is always done by hand in my studio. This gives each piece a unique character.”

Boardroom table in ThermoWood^® fraké

Warmth and homogeneity thanks to thermal modification

LDCwood^® is the exclusive Belgian manufacturer that produces ThermoWood^® according to the patented Finnish method of the International ThermoWood^® Association. This ensures a lasting effect right down to the core of the wood. "After thermal modification, the wood takes on a deep, smoky cognac colour. When I sand it down and finish it with wax or varnish, it creates a warm, natural hue that you won't find anywhere else. That colour is really in the material. Even when I saw, glue and sculpt it, the end result still looks like one solid piece.”

Different rules, different insights

According to Viaene, ThermoWood^® requires a different approach from carpenters. "Many are trained to work with traditional solid wood. But the properties of ThermoWood^® are different. It is more stable, but this also requires a different way of working. Moreover, many of them are no longer equipped to process solid wood, as interior design nowadays mainly involves working with panel material.”

Nevertheless, he sees interest growing. "Once they get to know the material, they are usually quickly convinced. It is easy to work with, and the result is beautiful and durable. This makes ThermoWood^® suitable not only for façades, but also for interior design and furniture.”

Interplay of vision and material

Benoît Viaene's projects demonstrate how architecture, interior design and furniture design can reinforce each other. ThermoWood^® from LDCwood plays a crucial role in this, connecting the three disciplines as an aesthetic, durable and versatile material. Or how thoughtful material choices form the basis of timeless designs, from facades to tables.