Why Wood Matters: Hans Peter Dinesen on Wood’s Power to Connect Us with Ourselves and Nature

For Hans Peter Dinesen, fifth generation and Brand Director, wood is a living companion in the spaces we create. He describes wood as something beyond human. “Wood resembles our skin,” he reflects. “If the wood is in a too-dry climate, it will dry out, just as our skin does.” Even after leaving the forest, he notes, it remains alive in its response to its environment, breathing with humidity, light, and temperature.

This inherent vitality is, for him, the essence of wood’s irreplaceability. Though modern building materials offer endless possibilities, they cannot replicate the emotional and sensory intelligence of wood. “We could live without wood,” he admits, “but how does architecture without wood affect our well-being?” He believes wood’s true value lies in the connection it creates; to us, to nature, and to a feeling of being at home in the world.

A Forest for Future Generations

Responsibility for the forest has been a core element of the Dinesen family. Hans Peter returns often to a principle passed down by his father: “It’s not just about the wood we harvest; it’s about the forest we leave for future generations.”

Sustainable forestry in Western Europe has ensured that, for over 300 years, forest growth has exceeded consumption. A rhythm of care that allows craftsmanship and ecology to evolve hand in hand. Managing forests responsibly, he explains, is not a modern trend but a long-term commitment.

Wood Through Time

Dinesen's work across vastly different eras of architecture, from historic castles to contemporary design, has shaped a layered understanding of wood’s capacity. In heritage buildings, he sees wood as a vessel of collective memory, carrying centuries of stories within its grain. In modern spaces, he sees its adaptability and quiet strength. “Wood adapts to style yet stays timeless,” he says, emphasising how its presence links generations of craft with new forms of expression.

Rethinking Our Bond with Wood and Time

Hans Peter believes architects and builders must rethink their relationship with the material. When a tree that has stood for hundreds of years is felled, its life enters a new phase, one that may outlast its time in the forest. “Some trees are immortalised in the built environment,” he explains. Visiting a centuries-old building can evoke the same awe as standing before an ancient tree, reminding us of our responsibility to maintain what we build. In a culture that often seeks maintenance-free living, Hans Peter advocates for a different attitude: “We need maintenance-friendly houses that allow us to care for them across generations.”

Exploration and Experimentation via ORBI

This vision extends into ORBI, a creative platform that he describes as a place of openness and discovery. “ORBI is a source of inspiration, where I simply feel the joy of creating something both grounded and unpredictable with others.” He hopes it will continue to nurture new architectural thinking, offering space for ideas to grow, take root, and spread into the world.

Ultimately, wood remains a guide, one that teaches us how to sense, feel, and connect more deeply with our surroundings. Its texture, depth, and scent create a dialogue between body and environment.