Case study
Van der Valk: wooden instruction signs for Treehouse Suites
Natural wood slices became instruction signs with coordinated wording and pictograms for the Treehouse Suites.
- Client / sector
- Hotel and hospitality
- Material / product
- Wood slices
- Technique
- Laser engraving
Wood slice engraving: Van der Valk
In 2026, we engraved instruction signs on customer-supplied wood slices for the Treehouse Suites at Van der Valk Hotel Gilze-Tilburg. Their natural bark edges remained part of the appearance. Nick van der Valk coordinated the wording, pictograms and later additions with us.
Guest information that suits the accommodation
The wooden signs explain facilities and activities in the suites, including the television, a boiling-water tap and a puzzle activity. A larger access sign was also made. The round shapes and natural edges require the layout to be assessed for each slice.
Arrange text and pictograms for each piece
We divided the information across the available surfaces and adapted the artwork to their shapes. Digital proofs and wording changes were agreed beforehand. As the signs would be wall-mounted, the backs of the slices could be used as engraving surfaces. Wood engraving makes the information part of the material.
A coordinated series with later additions
The collaboration comprised several orders and additions during 2026. The images shown feature the television sign, tea and puzzle instructions, and the access sign. Learn more about the location at Van der Valk Hotel Gilze-Tilburg. For a new project, we assess the supplied slices and content first.
Workflow
| Step | Agreed execution |
|---|---|
| Organise the information | Decide which instruction or direction belongs on each sign. |
| Assess the slice | Check shape, available area and the suitable side. |
| Review the proof | Have the wording and pictograms checked digitally. |
| Produce and extend | Engrave approved signs and agree any later additions. |
Project images
Questions about this project
Can every wood slice use the same layout?
Natural slices differ in shape and usable area. We therefore assess the text arrangement for each piece.
Can an existing series of instruction signs be extended?
Several additions were made during this collaboration. For new work, we agree the content and its relationship to the existing series again.
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