Sappi Treehouse sits inside the Pijnven Rijksbos near Hechtel-Eksel in Belgium — a purpose-built, 15-seat forest meeting space where sustainability teams come to think out loud. It is not a conference centre with a woodland backdrop. It is a small, deliberate venue that asks something of the people who book it.
The treehouse grew from an unlikely collaboration. Sappi, communications agency Proximity BBDO, the Flemish Forest and Nature Agency, and the city of Hechtel-Eksel joined forces to build a space — and an online platform — where circularity and real-world impact move from presentation slide to working conversation. Industry, creative, public steward and local government rarely share a brief this honestly. Here they did, and the result shows in everything from the warm timber interior to the ethos filter on the booking form.
That filter is real. Events must align with the venue's core themes: circularity, measurable outcomes, and genuine sustainability intent. Buzzword-heavy pitches find the bar set deliberately high. The 15-person capacity reinforces this — small enough to read the room, catch a shift in energy, and hold people to what they said ten minutes ago. You cannot disappear into a back row at Sappi Treehouse.
Inside, the space offers natural light, breathable proportions and the kind of warm wood finish that makes a room feel grounded rather than corporate. Technology is available when you need it. The real design element, though, is the forest pressing against every window — a quiet, persistent reminder to get specific. It is hard to stay vague when the view keeps pulling your attention to something genuinely alive.
Pricing runs at €400 per day, VAT excluded, on a day-booking model. The linked online platform extends the experience beyond the single session: case studies, pilot results and documented learnings from other sectors give teams a way to connect the day's conversation to a wider body of evidence. The goal the venue points toward is the next small, measurable step — not a polished manifesto.
Late spring through early autumn, roughly May to September, offers the most comfortable conditions for a day in the Pijnven Rijksbos. Long evenings and mild temperatures suit both focused indoor sessions and walks between them. April and October bring quieter, cooler days with a different kind of focus. Winter visits are atmospheric but cold, and outdoor breaks between sessions require proper layers.
Lommel railway station, served by train line IC-10, sits approximately 4.8 km from the venue and is the most practical rail access point for visitors arriving by public transport. Overpelt station, also on the IC-10 line, offers an alternative at around 7.5 km. Neither station is within easy walking distance of the forest site, so most visitors arrive by car or pre-arranged transfer. Both connections link into the broader Belgian rail network, making Lommel a reasonable staging point for those travelling from Antwerp, Brussels or further afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can book the Sappi Treehouse, and is there a topic filter on events?
A: Yes — the booking process includes a genuine ethos filter. Events must align with circularity, measurable outcomes and real-world sustainability intent. Vague or buzzword-led pitches are unlikely to pass. Come with a plan and a clear purpose rather than a general interest in the theme.
Q: How many people does the space hold, and what does it include?
A: The treehouse accommodates a maximum of 15 people — a deliberate choice that keeps conversations focused and accountable. Inside, expect warm timber finishes, natural light and technology when you need it. The day rate is €400, VAT excluded, on a day-booking model.
Q: When is the best time of year to book a session here?
A: Late spring through early autumn (roughly May to September) offers mild temperatures and long evenings, making it the most comfortable period for both indoor sessions and outdoor breaks in the Pijnven Rijksbos. April and October are cooler and quieter, with a more focused atmosphere. Winter visits are atmospheric but cold, so extended time outdoors between sessions will require proper layers.
Q: What is the easiest way to reach the venue by public transport?
A: Lommel railway station, on train line IC-10, is the closest rail option at approximately 4.8 km from the forest. Overpelt station is an alternative at around 7.5 km. Neither station is within easy walking distance, so arranging onward transport from the station is worth planning ahead of your visit.
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