The Quai des Milliardaires and the International Yacht Club d’Antibes building in Port Vauban, Antibes, have embraced Kebony’s sustainable wood in their recent extensive renovations, becoming the largest marina in the Mediterranean regenerated with sustainable Kebony wood.
Situated between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera, Port Vauban is Europe’s largest yachting harbor. It’s a hub for the Mediterranean’s yachting community, actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. The latest transformations, at the Quai des Milliardaires and the International Yacht Club d’Antibes (IYCA) building, which commenced in May 2023, are a testament to the increasing prioritization of eco-friendly materials in modern architectural projects.
Kebony, a Norwegian technology company, is at the forefront of producing sustainable alternatives to hardwood. Its innovative process involves transforming softwoods like pine into materials with the durability and aesthetic appeal of tropical hardwoods. This method significantly contributes to reducing deforestation and carbon emissions. In the renovation of Port Vauban, Kebony’s wood was chosen for its unique qualities, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals and aesthetic requirements.
The Quai des Milliardaires and IYCA building have incorporated Kebony wood in several key areas. The decking surfaces, stairs, pontoons, benches, and handrails have all been constructed from Kebony Clear wood. This material is renowned for its refined, knot-free appearance, and its ability to develop a beautiful silvery patina over time, blending harmoniously with the prestigious setting of the port. More importantly, Kebony wood is durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for the marine environment at Port Vauban.
The architecture firm Atelier d’Architecture Philippe Prost, tasked with the renovation, selected Kebony wood for its natural character and resilience, particularly in a marine environment. The firm’s lead architects commented on the decision: “The desire to use strips of wood for large outdoor terraces came early on, by analogy with boat decks. Kebony wood was chosen for its aesthetic qualities, its durability – particularly in a highly exposed marine environment – and for its natural character.”
Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager for Kebony, highlighted the project’s significance, “The regeneration of Quai des Milliardaires represents the versatility of Kebony, providing a simultaneously sustainable, beautiful, and high-performing modified wood product that will last for many years to come.”
The choice of Kebony wood in Port Vauban’s renovation illustrates a growing trend in sustainable construction. Kebony’s patented process enhances the wood’s stability, durability, and hardness, while maintaining its natural beauty. Its use in more than 100 countries for various outdoor applications and design projects reflects a global shift toward more environmentally responsible building practices.
Kebony’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized on several fronts. The company completed a €30 million investment round in October 2021 and was named a Financial Times Tech Champion of 2023. These accolades affirm Kebony’s role in promoting sustainable solutions in the construction industry and its impact on reducing carbon emissions and deforestation.
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