• Shou Sugi Ban: The Traditional Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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  • Home ホームページ
  • Overview 概要
    • History
    • People
    • Architecture
    • Design
  • News ニュース
    • Newsletter
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Techniques 技術
    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
    • DIY Projects
  • Video ビデオ
  • Shop 日本 店

Overview

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber and, paradoxically, make it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.

Learn more…

Architecture, Design, News, Showcase

Maine Barn in Shou Sugi Ban Style

It’s the story of two sportsmen, Didier Bonner-Ganter and Nathalie Nopakun, who became attached to each other while cycling and who settled together near the coast of Maine. They built…

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February 12, 2024
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase, Travel

A Modern Retreat at the Far Edge of Ireland

As in all the best B&Bs, tea is offered within seconds of arrival. At Breac.House which opened recently on Horn Head near Dunfanaghy, it is served in little grey goblets…

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June 19, 2020
Architecture, News, Showcase

Farm Life: Shou Sugi Ban in the Rocky Mountains

A shou sugi ban wrapped modern pastoral retreat set just south of Denver, Clearview Farm encompasses nearly 15 acres with a 1.5-acre pond and fields zoned for agriculture and equestrian…

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March 28, 2023
  • Architecture,  Design,  News,  Techniques

    That Wood is on Fire

    Shou-sugi-ban, a Japanese wood-charring technique, is emerging as one of builders’ and woodworkers’ favorite trends this year. From Dwell Magazine, That Wood is on Fire: 5 Examples of Shou-Sugi-Ban.  

    read more

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Newer Posts 

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber through charring which, paradoxically, makes it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.
Learn more…

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