Accoya wood Yakisugi

As an architect, you strive to create designs that are both timeless and innovative, blending aesthetics with sustainability. One material and technique combination that achieves this balance beautifully is Accoya® wood treated with Yakisugi, the traditional Japanese method of wood charring. This fusion offers unparalleled durability, a striking visual appeal, and a reduced environmental impact, making it an ideal choice for contemporary architectural projects.

What is Accoya wood?

Accoya® wood is a high-performance, modified wood made from sustainably sourced radiata pine, treated through a process called acetylation. This treatment enhances the wood’s natural properties, making it:

• Exceptionally durable: Accoya® is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insects, with a lifespan of up to 50 years above ground.
• Dimensionally stable: It has minimal swelling, shrinking, or warping, even in challenging weather conditions.
• Sustainable: Sourced from FSC-certified forests and fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

What is Yakisugi?

Yakisugi, also known as Shou Sugi Ban, is an ancient Japanese wood preservation technique. It involves charring the surface of the wood. The result is a visually stunning and durable material with:

• Unique aesthetics: A deep, rich texture and dramatic color variations ranging from matte black to smoky gray.
• Enhanced durability: The charring process makes the wood resistant to weather, insects, and fire.
• Low maintenance: The charred surface naturally repels moisture and can maintain its appearance with minimal upkeep.

Why combine Accoya wood and Yakisugi?

The combination of Accoya® wood with the Yakisugi technique takes the benefits of both to the next level:

• Longevity: Accoya’s inherent durability, paired with the protective charring layer of Yakisugi, ensures a lifespan far exceeding that of untreated or standard wood.
• Sustainability: By using sustainably sourced Accoya®, architects can embrace Yakisugi’s traditional charm without compromising on environmental responsibility.
• Versatility: The striking aesthetic of charred Accoya® works well across a range of architectural styles, from modern minimalism to rustic or industrial designs.

Applications in architecture

Accoya® wood treated with Yakisugi is suitable for various applications, including:

• Façades and cladding: Create a bold and distinctive exterior that harmonizes with natural or urban surroundings.
• Interior accents: Use it for feature walls, ceilings, a fireplace or a bar to bring warmth and character indoors.

Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban has already completed hundreds of projects using the Yakisugi Accoya called Marugame. These are various projects, such as villas completely clad in the wood, an extension, but also fire stations or distribution centres.

Charred Accoya wood inspiration?

Charred Accoya® wood offers architects a rare combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.

Looking to incorporate Accoya Yakisugi into your designs? Contact us for Marugame samples, technical specifications, or advice.