In Lithuania, Kebony wood adorns a contemporary retreat nestled in the heart of nature.

Conceived as an immersive retreat, Sanctum caters to those seeking reconnection: with nature, with sensations, and with human relationships. Here, far from screens and the urban pace, life refocuses on what truly matters. The project comprises a main building housing accommodations, common areas, and a multifunctional room that can accommodate up to 50 people, as well as independent chalets and spaces dedicated to well-being.

For Arūnas Liola and Greta Gulbinskė, architects for the Arches studio: "The design and construction of Sanctum took nearly four years. Completed in 2026, the project is the result of a long process of careful attention to the site, materials, and architectural details."

Landscape integration guided by Kebony wood

Nestled in the heart of a dense forest, the buildings were designed to respect the natural terrain and existing trees. Rather than imposing itself, the architecture engages in a dialogue with its surroundings. The choice of Kebony wood reflects this approach.

For Arūnas Liola and Greta Gulbinskė, architects for the Arches studio: "The client wanted sustainable solutions that required little maintenance and were environmentally friendly. The goal was not to create an iconic object, but a coherent, robust whole in harmony with the landscape."

A long-term collaboration

Arches Studio has a long-standing relationship with Kebony, which it regularly uses in its projects. Among their completed works is Valley Villa, delivered several years ago. The project video, released nearly a decade ago, already testifies to this long-standing use and the firm's commitment to the material.

According to Arūnas Liola, architect at Arches: “Every time we use Kebony, we learn more about its creative properties, which are endless. It’s the ideal sustainable, natural, and versatile material for our architectural projects, always delivering an impressive finish with its beautiful natural appearance.”

This accumulated experience now reinforces the choice of Kebony wood for Sanctum, in a coherent and proven approach.

Developed in Norway, Kebony technology is based on a patented and eco-responsible process: softwood from certified forests is impregnated with a bio-based liquid, then dried to permanently modify its cellular structure. The resulting material offers the performance of a tropical hardwood – high weather resistance, dimensional stability, and longevity – while having a reduced environmental impact.

Here, Kebony cladding is used in a ventilated facade, fixed to a timber substructure with stainless steel nails, ensuring corrosion resistance and durability outdoors. This system promotes the natural aging of the material while ensuring ventilation and stability.

For Arches studio: “Kebony wood reinforces the project’s values ​​of naturalness, harmony, and ecological responsibility. It allows the architecture to age gracefully and blend seamlessly into the forest landscape.”