Beneath the murky surface of the Brokopondo Hydro Lake in Suriname, South America, lies a hidden treasure that’s over 60 years—a 150,000-hectare underwater tropical forest. However, harvesting this submerged wood is difficult because divers must venture 15 meters deep into the lake to recover it. Through innovation and technology, Brokopondo Lakewood (www.facebook.com/Lakewoodvn) brings unique wooden products from the lake right into your home.
Forest harvesting has negative environmental, economic and social aspects, such as the destruction of natural habitats of many species. But, because Brokopondo is harvesting trees that have already fell, no negative impacts arise that will damage the environment and they’re committed to working towards a more sustainable future. Approximately 100 local employees work at the company’s sawmill, which helps to empower Suriname’s ethnic groups and native tribes by giving them an opportunity to earn a living and lift themselves out of poverty.
Although the trees have been submerged in the lake for over 50 years, the integrity of the wood has not been altered but rather preserved quite well by the fresh water from the lake. This, actually, has made the wood highly resistant to rotting, bending and cracking and is, therefore, suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
From these recovered trees, Brokopondo Lakewood has created outdoor decking, indoor eco-friendly solid hardwood flooring, live-edge tables/slabs, surfaces, wall cladding/table and counter tops, and charcuterie boards.
Lakewood Handmade Charcuterie Boards
Their unique charcuterie boards are made from wood recovered from Brokopondo Lake, handcrafted and designed by local artisans in Vietnam. The boards’ natural colors are enhanced by natural tungsten oils, which are made in Vietnam, and are FDA/EU food safe graded. The charcuterie boards are great for entertaining dinner guests, but also great as décor accents in the home. They’re ideal gifts for your foodie friends and families this holiday season.
For this year’s festive season, Brokopondo Lakewood is offering Oi Vietnam readers a 10% discount on their 8 different styles of handmade charcuterie boards, simply bring a copy of the this article with you to their showroom at 28 Thao Dien, D2. You can also buy the charcuterie boards online at Tiki with a 10% promotion code at: tiki.vn/cua-hang/lakewood-homemade
