What is Nobifix® timber? All about this sustainable, deep brown wood species

When developing outdoor spaces, choosing the right materials is essential. For landscape architects, lighting designers, and public authorities, the primary challenge can be finding timber that combines long-term durability with a deep brown appearance. Projects require materials that remain reliable for decades and offer a beautiful, high-quality appearance from the very start.

To meet this specific design need, Timberlab is expanding its outdoor lighting range with an innovative timber technology: Nobifix®. This addition to the assortment, developed by Van Swaay, introduces a valuable aesthetic option alongside our existing timbers. Available for established models like the EYE, TORRE, and STRATO, this application expands our design system with a unique, deep character. But what is Nobifix® timber exactly, and how does it perform in demanding outdoor environments?

What is Nobifix® timber exactly?

Nobifix® is not a new tree species, but a high-performing timber technology, developed by van Swaay, applied to European coniferous timber. Through an advanced vacuum-pressure treatment utilizing 100% natural mineral salts and organic protective elements, the wood is innovatively treated and fixed at a cellular level. Because this process relies entirely on natural ingredients, the timber contains no harmful chemicals. This advanced impregnation process renders the wood fibers unrecognizable to fungi and wood-rotting organisms. The result of this process is an exceptionally durable European pine from responsibly managed local forests. It combines mechanical strength with long-term resistance, allowing the wood to achieve the same high durability class as premium tropical hardwood. In addition to this structural protection and its characteristic dark brown appearance, this bio-based technology ensures that any rest products or eventual waste materials remain completely non-chemical, safe for the soil, and fully recyclable.

Industrial performance with a local footprint

For municipalities, landscape architects, and project developers, structural longevity is a foundational requirement for any outdoor installation. Nobifix® timber is treated specifically to excel in challenging outdoor conditions, making it an excellent option for installations placed directly into the soil, it achieves an expected lifespan of more than 25 years in direct ground contact. This long-term performance matches the durability class of premium tropical hardwoods, ensuring that public and private infrastructures remain secure, functional, and structurally sound for decades.

“With the addition of Nobifix®, we can now offer a strong solution for the mid-market segment. It is a great alternative for customers looking for the lifespan and appearance of tropical hardwood, but who prefer a sustainable, local European timber. This way, we make high-quality and sustainable outdoor lighting accessible to an even wider group of professionals.” – Gerben van Dorland, Founder of Timberlab

Designed to age beautifully with nature

From a design perspective, this timber technology addresses a specific aesthetic requirement. It provides a dark timber alternative without using superficial lacquers or paints, which can be harmful to the environment. The material is completely maintenance-free, allowing public and private managers to minimize operational costs. In terms of appearance, the deep brown exterior develops a silver-grey patina through exposure to sun and rain. This weathering allows the outdoor lighting to blend beautifully into its natural surroundings.

When a project requires the initial dark aesthetic to remain consistent over a longer period, the surface can be easily refreshed using Nobilan. This specialized timber oil is formulated entirely from natural oils and water, perfectly matching the ecological profile of the wood. This optional revitalization process is straightforward and highly efficient, as the treatment can be applied directly to the surface without sanding.

A responsible choice for public and private spaces

Selecting timber for outdoor lighting is a conscious step toward lowering a project’s carbon footprint. By utilizing European pine, Nobifix® locks up atmospheric carbon within the functional infrastructure for decades, while minimizing transport emissions through local sourcing chains.

The treated wood and the matching Nobilan maintenance products are certified safe for humans, animals, and the environment. This makes it highly suitable for diverse project environments, including public realms, high-end hospitality resorts, educational campuses, and modern residential developments.

Plan your next outdoor lighting project with Nobifix

Are you ready to integrate high-performance, sustainable design into your next project? Nobifix® timber effortlessly combines a premium dark aesthetic with industrial durability, making it the ideal fit for demanding municipal, landscape, and hospitality environments.

“With Nobifix®, we demonstrate that sustainability, design, and functionality go hand-in-hand perfectly. The combination of sustainably modified Nobifix® timber and high-quality LED technology makes this a smart investment for public spaces and high-end outdoor projects.” – Tessa van Swaay, Van Swaay Duurzaam Hout

 Explore Timberlabs wooden lighting solutions such as the EYE, TORRE, and STRATO, or contact our team for project-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions about Nobifix timber

How does Nobifix® compare to other wood species?

Nobifix® achieves a similar durability class and lifespan to premium tropical hardwoods. The main advantage lies in its environmental footprint: the timber is sourced from local, certified European coniferous forests, ensuring a significantly shorter and more transparent production chain.

Is Nobifix® timber safe for sensitive environments?

Yes, the treatment process utilizes natural mineral salts, ensuring the timber is completely safe for humans, wildlife, and surrounding ecosystems. The wood does not leach harmful substances into the soil or groundwater.

Can the dark appearance of Nobifix® be maintained permanently?

Exposure to outdoor elements, like the sun and rain, will eventually cause the surface of the wood to develop a silver-grey patina over time. To preserve the initial dark aesthetic later on, a light treatment with Nobilan oil can be applied optionally without the need for sanding.