Sturdy outdoor bench in charred wood

Story

At Aalto University campus, everyday quality often comes from small things: a spot by the entrance where you can wait for a friend, read a few pages, or catch your breath after a lecture. For that need, the client wanted rest benches that stand up to time, use, and weather, and that feel part of the architecture rather than loose furniture.

The material choice was Hiil’s Kelo finish and wide batten. The seat is made from several 45×195 mm boards: the dimensions give structure and a calm rhythm, and the wide surface makes sitting comfortable without cushions or extra framing. Hiil Kelo is charred, brushed, and oiled, with grey tone pigment in the oil. The result is a restrained, urban-ready surface that still reads as burnt wood with a living texture.

Kelo develops a silvery grey patina over time, especially outdoors where light and weather do their work. The patina doesn’t erase the charred aesthetic; it softens it in a natural direction. The surface still reads as fire-touched, but increasingly at one with its setting.

The structure also highlights the combination of steel and charred wood. The steel frame brings the robustness expected in a public place and lets the wood act as the main material. Steel carries the load. Visible bolt connections and end plates make the construction straightforward and legible. Visually, raw steel and charred wood speak the same language – both are materials that are meant to live and age with dignity.

The result is a place by the campus where stopping is allowed. Not just a bench, but a small pause in the day: a calm interplay of brick, steel, and charred wood.

Products

The project used wide, thick Kelo batten.