HUB Team Visit to Timberlab
When light and natural materials meet
At HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas, inspiration and knowledge do not stem solely from presentations or theoretical discussions. They emerge primarily through experience, through observation, material understanding and direct engagement with the way design is conceived, developed, and ultimately realized in the built environment.
Within this context, members of our team visited the facilities of Timberlab in the Netherlands, accompanied by architects, lighting designers, and the winner of the LIGHTING DESIGN CONTEST “KAFKAS 50 YEARS.” It was a journey of knowledge that seamlessly connected production, architectural thinking and lighting design.
Timberlab | About
Timberlab is based in Otterlo, Netherlands, and specializes in the design and realization of architectural solutions using wood, guided by a strong environmental ethos. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that thoughtful design can contribute to a more beautiful and sustainable world. Their objective is to foster harmony between people and nature through solutions that reduce environmental impact and integrate naturally into their surroundings. Timberlab’s strength lies in its ability to combine natural materials with advanced technologies, requiring innovation, design intelligence, and a distinctly solution-oriented mindset. Their vision extends beyond the present: to cultivate a legacy of sustainability for future generations through collaboration, environmental awareness, and continuous research.
Inside the production facilities
During our visit to Timberlab’ s production facilities, we had the opportunity to observe the entire lifecycle of wood. From raw material to final architectural applications. Precision, craftsmanship and a deep respect for material quality were evident at every stage, revealing wood as a material rich in character and narrative potential. The discussion naturally extended to lighting design and its role in enhancing materiality. How light can reveal texture, emphasize structure and shape atmosphere without compromising the authenticity of natural materials. Emphasis was placed on the use of warm color temperatures, including 2200K, which are not only aesthetically refined but also bat-friendly, supporting biodiversity and demonstrating respect for local ecosystems.
Visiting completed projects | Common Woods
The visit continued with tours of completed Timberlab projects. One of the most recent, Common Woods in Amersfoort, is a contemporary residential complex where wood and light coexist as a unified architectural language. The project illustrates how sustainable construction methods can be combined with high-quality lighting design to create living environments that prioritize human scale, visual comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Accoya Wood | The technology behind durability
The team also visited the Accoya Wood production facility, gaining insight into the acetylation process, a non-toxic scientific method that transforms wood into a material of exceptional durability and dimensional stability. This process:
- Significantly reduces water absorption
- Enhance resistance to fungi, insects, and decay
- Maintains the material’s environmental integrity
Accoya wood is sourced from sustainable forestry, has a low carbon footprint, and offers warranties of up to 50 years for above-ground applications. It is a material where technology, ecology, and architectural quality converge.
HUB as a platform for experience and growth
Timberlab as a company was proved an inspiration for the winner of the LIGHTING DESIGN CONTEST “KAFKAS 50 YEARS,” who drew from Timberlab’ s materials and principles when designing the showcase of HUB Ilioupoli. Such initiatives reinforce the role of HUB as a platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and meaningful engagement with architectural practice. Through educational journeys and encounters with industry professionals, we actively contribute to the architectural dialogue and invest in the continuous evolution of lighting as a design tool. Because when lighting design is approached with knowledge and sensitivity, it reveals the truth of materials, the power of architecture and ultimately illuminates the way we think about and design the future.
We sincerely thank Timberlab for their warm hospitality and this enriching educational experience.
