In a new project with LDCwood^® ThermoWood^®, Vlaio, in collaboration with Natuurinvest, Vrienden van Heverleebos, the Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB), architects, and woodworkers, has realized the stage for the Gravel World Championship 2024.

What makes this stage unique is that it was built from locally harvested and thermally modified wood from Black Pine. This is an important step in the sustainable use of forgotten local resources. We demonstrate how we transformed the centuries-old trees from the Forests of Brabant into a modern, ecologically responsible wood product, partly thanks to the ThermoWood^® process.

Black Pine: a forgotten raw material

Black Pine, a collective term for tree species such as Corsican Pine, Koekelare Pine, and Austrian Pine, was widely planted in the early 20th century, including in the Kempen and the Forests of Brabant. These trees were originally planted for coal mines. When the mining industry declined, Black Pine lost its original purpose and it largely vanished from the wood industry’s radar. Many of these majestic trees, now over 30 meters tall and 80 cm thick, end up as mulch or as a mix in OSB boards. A tragic fate for such high-quality wood.

Fortunately, recent studies indicate that Black Pine is quite resilient to the effects of climate change. By investing in mixed forests with species such as beech, oak, and lime, alongside Black Pine, we can make our forests less vulnerable. This opens up opportunities for sustainable forest management and local use of this wood species, as seen in the project for the Gravel World Championship.

ThermoWood^® Black Pine after planing.

The ThermoWood^® process: sustainability in action

For the top layer of the Gravel World Championship stage, the Black Pine was treated via the ThermoWood^® process at LDCwood^® in Ostend. ThermoWood^® is the result of a thermal treatment where the wood is heated, up to 220 degrees Celsius depending the wood type. This process alters the cell structure of the wood, making it more resistant to moisture, fungi, and insects. Additionally, it improves the dimensional stability of the wood, meaning it warps or cracks less in changing weather conditions. This makes ThermoWood^® ideal for outdoor projects, such as cladding and decking.The thermally modified Black Pine is not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing.

Shou Sugi Ban: traditional technique, modern application

In addition to the ThermoWood^® process, an extra preservatin technique was applied: Shou Sugi Ban. This ancient Japanese technique involves charring the exterior of the wood. This gives the wood a natural protection against weathering, fungi, and insects, without the use of chemicals. In this project, the wooden structure of the stage was sustainably treated with this technique, ensuring a longer lifespan while also providing a unique, contemporary appearance.

A circular design: innovation and reuse

The design of the stage is fully circular: the stage can be assembled, disassembled, and reused multiple times. This circular aspect was made possible by a clever and simple assembly system: round holes were drilled into the wooden beams, into which removable wooden dowels fit. This allows the assembly and disassembly of the stage to be completed within half a day by just two people. This offers countless opportunities for reuse, such as a stage for events, a dance floor at a neighbourhood party, or even as a trendy bar at festivals.

LDCwood Black Pine podium World Cup gravel.

A sustainable future perspective

This project, with its innovative use of local wood species and sustainable techniques, is an inspiring example of what is possible with the right collaboration and vision. The stage for the Gravel World Championship is not only a technical feat but also a powerful reminder of the value of our local forests. By giving a new destination to Black Pine wood, we contribute to a circular economy and a more sustainable use of natural resources.

In our commitment to sustainability, LDCwood prioritizes wood from sustainably managed forests, certified by FSC^®, PEFC, or OLB, such as Black Pine from the Forests of Brabant. This wood species fits perfectly within our sustainability vision and contributes to preserving biodiversity and healthy forests for future generations.

With this first, we hope to pave the way for new applications of local wood. Vlaio aims to make the stage available to a broader audience, for both indoor and outdoor applications. Thus, the Black Pine, once intended for mining, can play a new role in the future of sustainable architecture and design.

Interested in a project with thermally modified Belgian Black Pine?

Contact us.

LDCwood Black pine podium World Cup gravel.

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Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).