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'Shou-Sugi-Ban' Is Setting the Siding World on Fire
Exterior wood siding created by a Japanese burning technique is now alighting in the Western world
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon, where I design both new residences and remodels. With a focus on forward-thinking sustainable designs, my preferred palette includes natural materials, simplicity, and playful contrasts.
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon,... More »
High design and Far East tradition intersect with the dark, dramatic Japanese siding produced by a process called shou-sugi-ban. Translated as "the burning of Japanese cypress (sugi)," shou-sugi-ban is gaining popularity outside of Japan, as the process renders wood nearly maintenance free and makes it resistant to fire, rot and pests. Siding created by this method also has an expected life span of more than 80 years, thanks to a protective layer created by carbon released during burning.
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| Carbonized (that is, charred) siding is a powerful statement and, as such, is well suited to simple forms and details that allow the dramatic finish to take center stage. The charred siding of the Prescott Passive House above underscores the handsome restraint of the form. The home is a product of an innovative not-for-profit design/build program, Studio 804, for graduate students at the University of Kansas School of Architecture. The students design and construct one project each year, with an emphasis on sustainable, affordable and inventive building solutions. |
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| This former backyard shed, now an office, designed by THOUGHTBARN, effectively plays with materials and form, rooting the compact structure with charred siding. The dark siding is topped with light-diffusing polycarbonate sheets and a butterfly roof. Western red cedar was carbonized for both the building and the fence. |
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An Amsterdam residence gets playful with contrasts, with brighter planks of wood layered between the siding.
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The Process
First the wood is burned either with a torch or by more traditional methods.
First the wood is burned either with a torch or by more traditional methods.
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The scorched wood is then doused with water and brushed to remove the charcoal dust, revealing a slightly silver sheen.
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| Finally the charred wood is washed and dried. It can be left without a finish, or an oil can be applied to bring out the gray, sliver, black or brown tones. |
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| This handsome and powerful cladding has gained global appeal, with the treatment being applied to a wide variety of wood. While any species can be charred, the resulting appearance will vary. A softwood, like the Japanese sugi (cypress), has prominent growth rings that result in a highly textured surface, whereas charring hardwood leads to an evenly blackened surface. |
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| Tell us: Could you go dark? More: Wood Home Exteriors Branch Out Exterior Materials Mix It Up Exterior Materials: Textures Talk |
Ideabook updated on June 20, 2012.
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@Ken: Good question, and relevant for any dark siding. I'd recommend installing it over a rainscreen of 1x battens, which leaves a 3/4" air gap behind the siding. The air gap will provide a place to relieve any heat gain.
http://www.tv3.co.nz/The-Tree-House-Isle-Of-Wight/tabid/1102/articleID/68570/Default.aspx#http://cdn.tv3.co.nz/tv/AM/2011/2/4/68570/7-Isle-Wight.jpg?crop=auto&maxwidth=600&maxheight=400
Very cool.
I'm also curious, as a friend I know purchased a new home in California and found some months later some "worms" burrowing OUT of the mantel wood and other places. Then, more neighborhood homeowners began experiencing the same thing. Apparently, the major home building contractor used wood from burned out areas in Oregon. Although it's been many years since she related the story (even made the papers, here), it was due to some critters that burrow INTO scorched timber, and then at some point, chew themselves out of it.
Don't remember if a special curing step was missed, or...Anyway, there were hundreds of homeowners that faced months of corrective action by the contractor and expensive lawsuits. Not trying to scare anyone, and I love the look shown here, but I would be cautious and do my homework first.
@lizettew: I've not seen it used for decking.
I was planning on building a slat fence for my front yard using cedar in a dark stain, but this is changes everything. I'm reworking my plans to incorporate the charred finish with bright planks. All I need to do now is choose which technique to follow. Propane torch or traditional, cheaper but dangerous, burning method?
I just completed a home for clients,
Not using this technique but interestingly enough the colour.
Here are some shots,
Western Red Cedar Siding with Exterior Timber Stain.
Thanks for the tip.
What was the BTU of your torch?
@hereandnow: After dousing the flame, the wood is brushed to remove all loose material, so I don't expect much carbon to run off in the rain, nor from brushing up against it. Again, since it's a very superficial layer of char, it will behave very differently than, say, a log that's partially burned that's makes a huge mess when you come into contact with it. Unfortunately, I don't have any insights into the ASTM rating.
I found a company in Oregon who has reclaimed wood and charred wood on offer.... http://www.barnwoodnaturals.com/
I wonder if charred wood has a smell? I am considering cladding a small powder room with charred wood, and want to make sure it doesn't smell like an burnt-out outhouse :)
Here is a video demonstrating the technique done when produced for a project..
The gentleman doing it makes it look easy.
The technique is from the island of Naoshima where there are many buildings with this siding
Here is another video out of Japan and you see, it can be quite tricky. Nothing to be done on your own in the backyard.
Would love to see this house in Nagano
http://houseandgardendesigns.com/2011/03/modern-japanese-house-yakisugi-in-nagano-by-terunobu-fujimori/
I love the concept.
You learn something new..
Does anyone have experience putting an oil on the wood after burning it?
It seems to seal in the char dust, but how long does the oil finish last until it needs to be re-applied?
Does anyone leave the wood un-oiled?
We are striving to avoid any deep marbling (charring) of the wood and just get it blackened.
Similar to the Studio 804 look above in the photograph.
Any comments are welcomed!
Thanks
Todd