About us
We would like to tell you more about the history of Shou Sugi Ban, the origin of Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, our love for wood and fire and the assembly service we can offer.
An ancient tradition
Shou Sugi Ban (‘charred cypress’) is a special Japanese charring technique, inspired by an ancient tradition. Three slabs of pinewood would be bound together into the shape of a chimney and a fire was lit inside the base. This is how the facade parts of traditional Japanese wooden houses were given a fire retardant, sustainable, and natural protective layer.
Shou Sugi Ban, also known as Yakisugi, is still being applied in Japan. It is also used for modern buildings, designed by well-known architects such as Terunobu Fujimori. It is also used for modern buildings, designed by well-known architects such as Terunobu Fujimori.