This villa presents itself as a carefully balanced dialogue between tradition and contemporary intervention. The original volume, with its classic roof form and brick façades, represents a familiar archetype within the green surroundings. In contrast, the strong horizontal extension in Nakatado charred and brushed wood forms a restrained yet distinctive addition, introducing a new architectural layering to the whole.
The use of Nakatado charred and brushed wood enhances the legibility of the design. Its deep, nuanced black tone absorbs and softens sunlight, allowing the extension to reveal itself differently throughout the day. In the morning, the relief of the vivid grain structure subtly emerges; in full daylight, a powerful, monolithic volume takes shape; by evening, it nearly merges with the shadows of the surrounding trees.
For architects, this project offers a clear example of how material choice can guide both aesthetics and spatial experience. The brushed finish of the Nakatado wood exposes the natural grain, adding a tactile quality that contrasts with the clean lines of the façade. The result is a skin that is both robust and refined, a living façade.
The horizontal articulation of the extension is reinforced by continuous glazing and a slender balustrade, allowing interior and exterior to merge seamlessly. The dark timber acts as a frame for transparency and views toward the garden, while simultaneously providing a sense of shelter and intimacy.
What makes this project distinctive is the natural ease with which the new volume relates to the existing house and its landscape. The black charred and brushed wood visually connects with the shadows of the tall trees, anchoring the architecture within its surroundings. It is not an addition that demands attention, but an intervention that strengthens the whole.
For designers seeking a material that is both aesthetically distinctive and durable with low maintenance, this villa demonstrates the potential of Nakatado Shou Sugi Ban. It is a natural material that not only clads a façade, but also represents a conscious choice for a sustainable future.
The “Paradox.” Burning wood to protect it.
It sounds contradictory — but it’s brilliant.
At ORGA, we’re big fans of biobased materials that truly prove their worth. Take our collaboration with Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, for example. By charring wood using the centuries-old Shou Sugi Ban technique, a natural protective layer is created — without the need for paint or chemicals.
The result is a façade with character, built to last for generations. In the three recent projects, we’ve seen how it creates a robust, timeless appearance, while simultaneously contributing to refined, high-quality architecture.
Less maintenance, and a building that only becomes more beautiful with age.
That, to us, is what truly future-proof design looks like.
“We recently replaced the potted decked timber on our farmhouse in the Beemster region with Shodoshima semi-gloss from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban. With special planks 25 cm wide, it looks great on a farmhouse. A very beautiful product and great service from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban!”
”We chose Yoroi for several reasons. First of all, we like the Japanese classical technique used for burning the bamboo. Due to the burning technique Shou Sugi Ban, Yoroi has a fire class B and is maintenance-free. Finally, the black charred bamboo is a regrowable material and aesthetically matches our design perfectly.”
”As a gardener, it is an honour to work with such beautiful traditional products.
The delivery times are also great and you get friendly service.”
We have put together two Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban sample boxes: one for interior design applications and one for façade cladding.
That way, you can experience the attention, care and love we pour into each piece of wood yourself. And, of course, the beauty and exclusive looks the various textures have to offer.
