A retreat built to slow life down
Hidden in the forests outside Vilnius, Lithuania, Sanctum was designed to belong to its landscape, not overpower it. From the beginning, the project invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. The architecture is calm, restrained, and tactile. Buildings follow the natural terrain rather than reshaping it. The result is a retreat that quietly disappears into its forest setting. Kebony wood cladding and roofing reinforce that connection to the land — more than 164,000 linear feet of it wrapping the project in a unified, natural envelope.
Architecture shaped by patience and precision
“The design and construction of Sanctum took nearly four years,” say Arūnas Liola and Greta Gulbinskė of Arches Studio. Completed in 2026, the project reflects long-term thinking and careful attention to detail. Every decision was made with the site, the materials, and architectural longevity in mind. The retreat includes a main building with accommodations and shared spaces, a multipurpose room for up to 50 guests, and a series of independent cabins and wellness areas set deeper in the forest. Together, they read as a cohesive ensemble rather than a single statement building.
Why Kebony?
Sustainability and low maintenance guided material selection from day one. The client wanted solutions that would hold up reliably in a forest environment — and look good doing it.
“The goal was not to create an iconic structure, but a robust ensemble in harmony with the landscape.” — Arches Studio
Kebony delivered on that goal through natural aesthetics, high dimensional stability, and long-term durability that requires no surface treatments. Developed in Norway, Kebony uses a patented bio-based modification process that delivers hardwood-level performance with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Material continuity, landscape integration
At Sanctum, Kebony is installed as a ventilated façade system, fixed to a wooden substructure with stainless steel fasteners. The same material runs across both façades and roofing, keeping the architectural language consistent across the entire site. Over time, the wood weathers naturally — the buildings soften visually and settle even further into the forest. “Kebony wood allows the architecture to age gracefully and blend seamlessly into the landscape,” notes Arches Studio.
Built on real-world experience
For Arches Studio, Kebony isn’t a theoretical choice, it’s a material they’ve tested and refined through repeated use. “Every time we use Kebony, we learn more about its creative properties,” says Arūnas Liola. At Sanctum, that knowledge shows up in architecture defined by calmness, durability, and a deep respect for the natural world around it.