Wellbeing in the bathroom
Wellbeing begins where we feel truly free. Just like in a sauna, the bathroom is a space where we can be ourselves. That’s why it’s so important to create an atmosphere that feels warm, aesthetic, and in tune with our inner state. Design here is not only visual — it affects our mood, peace, and daily rituals. This is where the story of the Finnish company Woodio begins.
Woodio x Nordic sauna
The way Woodio came to Latvia is a little like a love story. On frequent business trips to Helsinki, we often stayed at the VALO Hotel & Work. The very first time we noticed the hotel’s unique washbasins, they looked as if they were made from wood chips. Curious, we researched the brand and discovered that indeed all Woodio products are made of a special composite — 80% wood chips and 20% resin-based binder.
The VALO washbasins were a custom project, designed for more than 400 hotel rooms. Each time we returned to Helsinki, our interest in Woodio grew. The big discovery was that their products come in a wide variety of tones, making it possible to create truly unique interiors. This became the key factor in reaching out to the Woodio team in 2023.
“At that time, I was designing the interior for our Nordic sauna showroom in Riga and knew that even the showroom restrooms needed a special touch. That’s when I remembered Woodio, and our first project together was born: two restroom designs and a custom-made cashier desk with a Woodio surface,” says Žanete, the creative soul behind Nordic sauna.
In our showroom, we used the Root color for the ground floor restroom — both for the Block toilet and a Soft 60 washbasin. On the second floor, for our office restroom with its colorful interior, we chose an orange wall-mounted Soft 40 basin in Clay color. In our showroom, we also created a custom-made cashier desk combining an aspen Finger profile with a Woodio Solid surface in Root.
We saw how versatile Woodio products are, how easy they are to install, and how beautifully they fit into any interior. Wood has always been important element in our saunas projects, so it was natural for us to become Woodio’s representative in Latvia. Today, we’re proud to be the first in the Baltics to offer their unique and sustainable design.
How Woodio products are made
Woodio uses aspen wood chips (2–5mm in size) sourced from Northern Europe, a byproduct of the forest industry. These chips are dyed directly at the factory, which preserves their natural texture. Currently, Woodio products are available in 15 colors inspired by Nordic nature.
The dyed chips are mixed with resin, giving the material durability, water resistance, and impact strength. The mixture is poured into molds and hardened naturally (without the high heat as required for ceramics). Water is not used in production, which makes the process significantly more energy-efficient than traditional ceramic manufacturing.
After polishing, the result is a unique 100% waterproof composite: visually warm like wood, yet practical and lightweight like ceramic. From personal experience, we can say these surfaces are just as easy to clean as regular bathroom ceramics.
Sustainability is at the heart of Woodio. The production process is environmentally conscious, focusing on material reuse and reducing waste. It’s a step toward cleaner air and eco-friendly products that don’t end up in landfills. You can read more in the Woodio Sustainability Report 🌿
During our visit to the Woodio showroom in Helsinki, we explored their latest novelties. The new colors Sand, Coal, Earth are made from pine and spruce chips, which are finer and create a new surface texture. Another exciting addition is the matte finish, currently available for Soft40 and Soft60 basins, and soon for the wider range.
A unique material for unique interiors
Woodio products fit into any interior, not only because of the broad color palette but also the variety of shapes. Basins are available round, oval, or square — they can be placed on top of a surface, wall-mounted, or integrated into countertops.
From Woodio Solid or Woodio Wall120 panels, it’s also possible to create unique furniture, countertops, and other details that tie the interior together — not only in bathrooms but also in kitchens, bedrooms or workspaces.
Woodio is also ideal for public spaces, where colors can be matched to a brand for a unified look.
For example, we recently designed the sauna for MH Padel Club, where Soft60 basins in Moss color were installed in both the men’s and women’s changing rooms, reflecting the club’s green logo.
In another project, the client created a bold and playful bathroom design, and our team joked: “Life is too short for boring bathroom design.”
With Woodio, creativity has no limits. Installation and everyday care are just like traditional ceramics — only with a much more modern and beautiful touch.
Woodio is more than design and function. For us, it’s about creativity, sustainability, and inspiration. Come visit our showroom and see Woodio for yourself.