This paper presents a fully coupled multi-scale finite element model for the description of the dissipative mechanical response of wood cell walls under large strains. Results show the ability of the present model to capture the main phenomenological responses found typically in wood at the microscopic scale. In addition, the structural and mechanical concepts involved in wood cells are exploited further in order to design new wood inspired composites. Numerical tests are conducted in prototypes of bio-inspired composites and demonstrate substantial gains in terms of resistance to failure and in the control of the overall flexibility/stiffness balance in the material. © 2011 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).