In this project, craftsmanship and architecture converge in a powerful material expression. The barn house is clad in Omiyama charred wood, forming a bold yet refined counterpoint to the thatched main volumes. The project was realised by Mallens Bouw, where craftsmanship and detailing visibly come together in the final result.
The choice of Omiyama reinforces the archetypal barn typology while simultaneously adding a contemporary layer. Its deep matte-black tone absorbs light, allowing the volume to visually recede into the landscape. This creates a clear hierarchy between the main building and the annex, without compromising the overall cohesion of the ensemble.
For architects, charred wood offers more than aesthetics. The subtle grain pattern and natural variation in the surface give the façade a vibrant, tactile character that evolves throughout the day as light conditions change. In this design, the vertical cladding emphasises the slender roof form and enhances the rhythm of the façade openings.
Omiyama is carefully and consistently charred and finished, enabling the wood to combine expressive appearance with long-term performance. The charring process enhances the material’s natural resistance to weathering and contributes to a low-maintenance façade, an essential principle in contemporary residential architecture. In collaboration with Mallens Bouw, the material was developed down to the finest detail, with junctions, window frames and roof edges seamlessly integrated into the architectural expression.
While the thatched roofs refer to rural building traditions, the charred wood introduces a modern, almost graphic sharpness. The contrasting material palette strengthens the architectural composition: light versus dark, soft versus robust, traditional versus contemporary.
The result is an ensemble in which material choice is not decorative, but directive. Omiyama charred wood demonstrates its strength here as an expressive façade material for architects seeking depth, durability and a distinctive identity within a minimalist volume.
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.
