LCI HQ: Bengkirai, Indonesia’s Living Timber

Rooted in Place: The Legacy of Bengkirai

In the heart of Indonesia’s tropical forests grows Bengkirai (Shorea laevis), a hardwood species native to Kalimantan and Sumatra. Known internationally as Yellow Balau, this timber is prized for its golden-brown tone, interlocked grain, and natural strength.

With a density ranging between 1,800-2,200 lbs, Bengkirai stands among the most durable tropical hardwoods. Its high density provides outstanding resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, qualities that make it a preferred choice for long-lasting structures such as bridges, decks, and outdoor applications.

Yet Bengkirai’s value extends beyond endurance. When used responsibly, Bengkirai offers potential as a local material option — one that can help limit transport emissions and provide value to forestry communities while aligning with more resource-conscious design practices.

The Science of Stored Carbon

The environmental strength of Bengkirai lies in its ability to store carbon. As it grows, each tree absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and converts it into solid carbon within its fibres. The denser the wood, the more carbon it retains — and Bengkirai’s exceptional density makes it one of the most effective natural materials for carbon sequestration.

This density gives Bengkirai two distinct advantages: durability and long-term carbon storage. Once installed, the carbon absorbed during the tree’s lifetime remains locked in its structure for decades, a mechanism known as Harvested Wood Product (HWP) storage.

At the Life Cycle Indonesia (LCI) Corner building, the Bengkirai used across its installations acts as a long-term carbon store. Based on the total material volume and proxy carbon factors, the timber is estimated to sequester approximately 7,390 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent, representing biogenic carbon stored within the material.

This makes every Bengkirai component both a design choice and a measurable contribution to climate resilience as a tangible reminder that architecture can stand strong while storing carbon.

Integrity in Sourcing

The sustainability of tropical timber depends not only on the wood itself but on how it is sourced and managed. Responsible sourcing ensures that each tree harvested contributes to a regenerative cycle, where the forest continues to act as a living carbon sink.

The Bengkirai used in LCI Corner is traceable and legally verified under Indonesia’s SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu) — a national system ensuring compliance with sustainable forestry standards. Additionally, the supply chain aligns with Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) principles, ensuring responsible forest management and transparent trade practices.

These dual systems confirm that each plank of Bengkirai supports not only durable construction but also ethical forestry that has a supply chain grounded in accountability, traceability, and forest regeneration.

Design for Regeneration

Choosing Bengkirai reflects a broader vision of design that regenerates rather than depletes. Its long lifespan directly reduces emissions associated with frequent replacements, aligning with the principles of circular economy and embodied carbon reduction.

This creates a dual climate benefit:

1. Biological Storage: Carbon remains securely stored within the timber.

2. Emissions Avoidance: Long product lifespan reduces the need for new production and transport.

Every use of certified Bengkirai is, therefore, both an architectural and ecological decision, one that strengthens the integrity of the building while contributing to Indonesia’s climate goals.

References

• Build ON (2025). Getting to Know Bengkirai Wood for Building Materials. buildban.com

• Ministry of Environment and Forestry (2024). SVLK Annual Report.

FSC Indonesia (2024). Forest Stewardship and Traceable Trade in Southeast Asia.