Sponsors
Aysén Architect Leads Innovative Project Giving New Value to Residual Native Wood
Sponsors
From the heart of Patagonia, architect Nicole Vernal Díaz and mechanical engineer Felipe Almonacid Neumann lead WOODENLOOP, the touch of nature, an innovative proposal that transforms native wood byproducts into three-dimensional modular panels, ideal for interior cladding and furniture. The project combines art, technology, and sustainability to create solutions that bring nature closer to living spaces.
Driven by the company Trazosur SPA and supported by Corfo Aysén through the Innova Región – Sostenible program, WOODENLOOP aims to add value to small-diameter short wood by integrating parametric design and CNC technology to create an aesthetic, functional, and high-standard product, developed in Coyhaique for all of Chile.
According to data from the Forestry Institute (INFOR), in 2020, the Aysén Region produced over 19,000 m³ of sawn wood, 53% of which came from native species. It is estimated that 30% of this production corresponds to short wood—pieces less than 2.40 meters long and under 20 cm in diameter—which are often underutilized or sold at low prices. WOODENLOOP proposes a new purpose for these resources, achieving up to a 40% reduction in manufacturing time and an estimated 70% savings in raw materials, without compromising quality or design.
Innovating from remote regions
"Corfo's support has been key not only financially but also in paving the way to innovate from remote regions. Thanks to the Regional Productive Development Committee, WOODENLOOP is now a reality. Even more importantly, it is a company led by a woman in a historically male-dominated industry," highlights Nicole Vernal Díaz, founder of Trazosur.
Meanwhile, the regional director of Corfo Aysén, Humberto Marín Leiva, emphasized the project's impact. "WOODENLOOP embodies the spirit of innovation we promote: sustainable solutions with territorial roots, born from local needs and driven by regional talent. This project not only adds value to native forests but also highlights women's leadership in the local economy."
He added that Corfo Aysén supports initiatives like this because they help diversify the productive matrix, generate skilled employment, and strengthen productive linkages in traditional sectors like forestry. "Territorial innovation allows us to use our resources more responsibly and tackle climate change with concrete solutions," he stated.
In the future, Trazosur aims to expand its national presence through partnerships with construction companies, architecture firms, and decor studios, while also promoting purpose-driven entrepreneurship. "We want to encourage more women to believe in their ideas and dare to innovate. Now is the time to create with meaning and impact," concludes Nicole.
