28.10.2025. Long before it graced the floors of Parisian apartments and luxury hotels, herringbone was a feat of Roman engineering. The opus spicatum ("spiked work") pattern was used to build durable roads and paths that could withstand the passage of people and, time. The secret was in the structure: the interlocking V-shaped layout distributed weight and stress evenly, preventing ruts and ensuring remarkable stability.

Today, designers leverage this ancient wisdom for modern applications.

This was the philosophy behind the Ovation boardwalk project, a stunning expanse in the United States that utilized over 2,500 square meters of Tali timber, laid in an elegant and intricate herringbone design.

Photo © Ross van Pelt

In the Ovation boardwalk, the herringbone pattern was chosen for three key reasons:

1. Unmatched Visual Drama: The zig-zag design creates a sense of dynamic movement, depth, and texture. It transforms a simple walkway into an experience, guiding the eye and evoking a feeling of sophistication and curated elegance.
2. Proven Structural Integrity: In areas of heavy foot traffic, stability is paramount. The interwoven nature of the herringbone pattern locks the boards together, reducing individual movement and enhancing the overall durability and longevity of the installation.
3. Optimal Material Efficiency: The pattern allows for the skilled use of smaller, high-quality pieces of wood, minimizing waste without compromising on the strength or visual impact of the final structure.

Photo © IMAGEO

While the visual and structural benefits are clear, the most profound story of this boardwalk is one you cannot see. It's written in the origin of the timber itself.

‘At the heart of our business is social and environmental responsibility’, explains Christophe Janssen, Chief Operating Officer of Interholco. ‘Our wood products maintain tropical forests for future generations, while also providing communities in these areas with access to fair and competitive wages, medical care, education, and other benefits.’

This commitment transforms every square meter of timber from a simple building material into a catalyst for positive change. Specifying wood from responsibly managed forests means investing in:

• Forest Conservation: Protecting millions of hectares of tropical forest well beyond the limits of the harvesting areas, safeguarding biodiversity and combating climate change.
• Community Empowerment: Opening decent work opportunities, funding local schools and medical clinics, and fostering sustainable economic development.
• Verified Sustainability: Ensuring a transparent, certified chain of custody from the forest to the final project.

The Ovation boardwalk is more than just a beautiful decking; it is a testament to a new standard in design and development. It proves that the most compelling projects are those where awe-inspiring aesthetics walk hand-in-hand with unwavering responsibility.

For architects, specifiers, developers, and importers, the message is clear: the materials you choose are your legacy. They tell a story about your values and your vision for the future.

Are you ready to build the landmarks of tomorrow?

About Interholco

The valorisation of a natural forest of 1.16 million hectares in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville is our DNA here at INTERHOLCO. As an FSC^® (Forest Stewardship Council^®, FSC^® C022952) and PEFC and PAFC certified producer, INTERHOLCO is a well-established player in the trade of its edged boules, sawn timber, glue laminated scantlings, decking boards and more.

We are a leading provider of high-quality wood products ‘Made in Africa’ holding a verified environmental and health performance statement (FDES requirement in France). Our teams carefully manage the supply chain from forest to customer. Our story is fully illustrated by enabling the people living in Ngombe to access better life conditions. We make it possible to design and build a healthy living environment with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, one of the real solutions for the planet and climate. Follow us on LinkedIn

Communication contact Interholco

Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Neuhofstr. 25, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82 
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.