For the new GMB office building in IJhorst, the starting point was clear: a future-proof design with a high degree of circularity and conscious material use. The application of Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban’s Yoroi façade cladding aligns with this ambition, both aesthetically and technically.
Due to GMB’s growth, the existing location no longer met its needs. The new office comprises 870 m², distributed over two floors, and was designed with a minimum GPR score (Dutch sustainability assessment tool) of 8.0 as a baseline, indicating a high sustainability performance.
The primary structure and floors are executed in CLT, with façades in timber frame construction. The building is detailed for disassembly and constructed with a maximum use of biobased and circular materials. Within this framework, Yoroi serves as a logical exterior finish: compatible with the timber structure and consistent with the project’s circular ambitions.
Yoroi is a natural product, meaning variations in color, grain, and texture occur. These differences contribute to a nuanced façade expression. The applied Shou Sugi Ban technique, controlled charring of the wood, enhances resistance to weathering, fungi, and insects, while reducing maintenance requirements over time.
In timber construction, fire safety is a key design parameter. Yoroi achieves fire class B, making it suitable for façade applications with higher performance requirements.
The charred surface layer plays a functional role: it slows down the combustion of the underlying wood. This contributes to more predictable fire behavior, without requiring aesthetic compromises.
The building consists of two volumes. The horizontal volume is defined by ribbon windows and a rhythmically arranged timber façade, with detailing that becomes more refined from bottom to top. This enhances the legibility of the building’s scale.
At the entrance, the composition shifts to a vertical articulation, emphasizing access. The texture and tonal variation of Yoroi respond to light and shadow, allowing the façade to change throughout the day.
Inside, the material strategy continues in an open and transparent layout. Timber is combined with contrasting finishes and greenery, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate and a clear spatial organization.
The building thus functions not only as a sustainable object, but also as a working environment with attention to comfort and experience.
Within this project, Yoroi can be understood as an integral part of the overall material concept. Its application demonstrates that the material:
As such, it is not a standalone ‘finish’, but part of an integrated approach to façade design and material use.
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.
