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Photo: Architect Frank Norrenberg
Photo: Société L’Artboiserie/Patrice Hennaut
Photo: Architect Mouffe
HOUT INFO BOIS
Discover the benefits of wood TEXT: PETER STEWART
If you are searching for more sustainable building materials for your next construction project, then this Brussels-based agency has just the answer. Hout Info Bois offers technical advice regarding the use of wood in construction. Through the use of publications, conferences and training sessions, the agency supports architects, timber professionals, designers and members of the general public from across Belgium who require specialist information on the use of wood in construction. What is more, Hout Info Bois provides extensive information about the forestwood sector, wood species – with much of the wood used in construction across Belgium being responsibly sourced from 22 | Issue 63 | March 2019
forests across Europe – wood maintenance, and design. “A survey is carried out every two years to assess the importance of wood as a building material,” says Hugues Frère, director of Hout Info Bois, explaining that the use of wood is becoming increasingly popular. “There is a growing interest in the use of wood in construction as it’s a very versatile and durable material. It can be used for everything from extending a building’s height and reinforcing apartment blocks to carrying out home renovations and extensions. It’s also an excellent insulator and buildings made from wood can be constructed relatively quickly,” he adds. “More and more people today are becoming aware of the effects of cli-
mate change and are resorting to more environmentally friendly measures, with wood being one of the best materials to reduce your carbon footprint.”
Photo: Architect Sette Schroeyers
For further information relating to the use of wood in construction, you can visit: houtinfobois.be