23.03.2026. On Place Sainte-Catherine in Brussels, a family-run boutique hotel is redefining restoration. Not by changing the façade, but by framing views with Kosipo windows.
On 21 March, the world celebrates the International Day of Forests — a reminder that forests are not only ecosystems of extraordinary biodiversity, but also the starting point of materials that shape sustainable cities.
Few projects illustrate this connection better than the recent renovation of the Made in Catherine hotel, located on the lively Place Sainte-Catherine in the heart of Brussels.
Photo © Fréderic Sablon
Behind the elegance of its Art Nouveau façade lies a remarkable example of how sustainably sourced hardwood can bridge heritage and modern performance.
For this project, Kosipo hardwood, one of the species we supply with FSC certification, was entrusted with a delicate mission: to faithfully frame the building’s original storefront windows, preserving their historic appearance for many more years to come.
The solution was carefully crafted to replicate the original design, then painted black for elegant contrast.
Photo © Fréderic Sablon
The result is eclectic chic, strikingly respectful of the style that embodies the city’s illustrious past.
From the street, the windows appear perfectly authentic, maintaining the architectural character that gives Place Sainte-Catherine its charm. On the inside, the traditional windows elegantly match the original ceiling mouldings and curved art déco aesthetic.
Owners of the hotel family Duchateau are carefully introducing a chic authentic style on the Brussels hotel scene.
As Martin Duchateau states, ‘Wood allows us to restore rather than replace, to respect architectural heritage while integrating contemporary performance.'
The restoration work with Kosipo at ‘Made in Catherine’ reminds us of something fundamental: every wooden element in our buildings begins its journey in the forest.
When those forests are carefully managed, harvested selectively, and allowed to regenerate responsibly, they continue to provide materials that combine longevity, natural beauty and climate performance.
On this International Day of Forests, projects like the Made in Catherine hotel highlight the remarkable role that forests — and the wood they provide — play in shaping sustainable and vibrant cities.
Because when forests are cared for, their story continues… and so does ours!
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.
