Located in the heart of Italy in Acqualanga, La Forestale Ecolodge sits amongst sloping hills within a tranquil verdant valley in one of the country’s most picturesque areas of natural beauty. Offering guests total immersion in nature and wellness, the Ecolodge’s sympathetic Kebony wood façade blends the building with its natural surroundings, while floor to ceiling glazing creates a bond between the minimalist interiors and the wild rural landscape outside the magical destination.
Built on the foundation of a former forest service station in Gola del Furlo, the Eco-Lodge was designed as a model of ecological renovation. Owner, Eric Merlino chose Kebony wood to complete the luxury lodge “for its incomparable qualities that defy all competition in terms of resistance, toughness and longevity all confirmed by a 30-year guarantee, the only one of its kind on the market, and by the fact that it requires no maintenance.”
Eric Merlino continues: “I have a great deal of respect for ‘involved’ businesses like Kebony. We share the same values concerning CSR and sustainable development.”
The exceptional building is home to a B&B-style concept based on fundamental human and personal connection, and includes five different rooms with luxurious amenities; modern design, high-quality and sustainable materials, a large living area, bay windows with splendid views, marble and a private terrace. La Forestale offers visitors an escape from the outside world and the chance to re-connect with nature, while experiencing true luxury and stylish, forward thinking design.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol – an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. Kebony’s unique finish and sustainable credentials were perfectly suited to match the vision of owner, Eric Merlino and his unique rural Ecolodge.
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony added: “The Kebony team is delighted to have played an important role in building this beautiful Ecolodge. It truly is a special place to visit, and we hope it inspires more ambitious and forward-thinking buildings to be developed in similarly beautiful locations across the world.”