The Centrum Hotel in Lucknow is a five-star destination with a difference: it stands as a stunning example of modern architecture in the heart of the city. The building’s minimalist aesthetics, heightened by its sharp, clean lines and a façade in a fusion of concrete and glass, lends a brilliant contemporary note to this city, steeped in rich cultural traditions.

The interior of the building boasts of a range of amenities, including spacious and elegant rooms, restaurants, swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, all of which are set on landscaped grounds.

The design, both interior and exterior, stands out for its effusive use of natural materials like sustainable and certified wood, adding warmth and sophistication to the spaces. This is where Canadian wood species play key roles.

Green credentials

A large, curved wall at the entrance welcomes visitors with a dramatic flair as it has the inscription, ‘The Centrum’ is boldly inscribed across it. Canadian wood species from British Columbia, known for their versatility and sustainability, are used throughout the property, creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics, warmth and environmental responsibility.

Due to the fact that the lifestyle brand of Centrum is driven by the need to be “responsible and ethical” it identified Canadian wood species as a key material for its wood sourcing.

Since most of the applications were focussed on outdoor cladding and ceilings, the hotel chose Yellow Cedar and Western Red Cedar. Yellow Cedar is a unique and slow-growing conifer that thrives along the coast of British Columbia.

It produces wood that is easy to work with and is prized for its exceptional beauty, strength, and durability. It is considered ideal for a wide range of applications – from fine carpentry and furniture to structural projects and marine uses.

Its exceptional longevity and fine texture make it a top choice for carving and specialty constructions like temples and shrines, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.

Western Red Cedar, on the other hand, is the official tree of British Columbia, a magnificent species known for its longevity and versatility. This impressive tree is capable of reaching enormous height, produces a lightweight yet durable wood with excellent working properties.

Its resistance to natural decay allows it to remain sound for over a century, making it ideal for both exterior and interior applications. From durable roof shingles and weatherboarding to elegant wall panelling interiors and outdoor furniture, Western Red Cedar’s smooth and natural beauty inspires diverse uses, showcasing its enduring appeal across various industries and cultures.

What also added to the attraction of using these responsibly and legally harvested wood species from sustainable sources for the Centrum was the fact that their versatility and durability extended to staining and colouring, making it possible to create a wide range of design effects.

Natural resistance

British Columbia’s stringent forestry practices give it an edge over other wood species. This ensures that the hotel’s commitment to sustainability translates into a beautiful and lasting environment for guests and visitors.

Cedar, with its rich natural tones and beautiful grain patterns, also thrives in wet places like the areas surrounding the swimming pool and spas. This is because they have a natural resistance to termite and decay.

In the case of Centrum, its unique design and attention to detail to create luxurious and unforgettable experiences for its guests, Yellow Cedar wood specie was used in creating ceiling louvers, wall claddings and wall panelling.

Western Red Cedar wood specie was used in creating outdoors seating areas. These certified wood species were not only used to create functional spaces that were aesthetically pleasing, warm and earthy, but also ensured that they stood the ravages of climate conditions and time.

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