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Shou Sugi Ban technique
At Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, we produce various types of wood using the Shou Sugi Ban technique. Our fire masters burn the wood piece by piece in our self-developed oven. Black charred wood is not only popular among architects and contractors, private customers are also increasingly finding their way to this burnt wood. The wood we burn is used as facade cladding and interior panelling, among other things.
Does the carbon layer always stay the same?
This depends on the type, but in principle the carbon layer of our burnt wood weathers under the influence of wind, rain and hail. The lifespan of the carbon layer depends on the orientation of the facade and the location of the building. The black carbon layer of our burnt wood ages over the years and then acquires a beautiful patina (weathering), such as a light sheen, or a craquelé surface, for example. The natural aging and weathering over time does not detract from the visual appeal, on the contrary, it contributes to it! This fits within the Japanese philosophy of life of Wabi Sabi.
On the product data sheets of our products (downloadable on the product page), you can see how the wood ages.
In the non-fixed variants of our charred wood, the carbon layer remains vulnerable. Small pieces can break off on impact.
The wood smells like “burned wood”, does it go away?
We deliver the wood to our customers as soon as possible after burning. Because we make the wood to order, the wood can still smell like “burned wood”. The smell will fade away over time.
Do you burn the wood yourselves?
We purchase the wood and then burn it in our self-developed furnace in our workshop in Lunteren. From there we deliver it to our customers.
Does the wood give off?
Unfixed wood gives off after charring. For indoor use we always fix the charred wood. The charred layer becomes a bit more matt in appearance and will stain less. For the exterior we often advise not to fix the wood. This ensures that the charred wood retains a beautiful, natural shine and is also more durable than when the wood is fixed.
In the course of time the release of the wood will decrease and for a number of variants this will eventually stop. Most burned types of wood, also for exterior use, can also be fixed if desired. We will be happy to advise you about this.
About our sustainable method
Wood produced according to the Shou Sugi Ban technique is very sustainable. This is because wood absorbs CO2. That in itself makes it a sustainable material. Burning the wood according to the Shou Sugi Ban technique further extends its lifespan, without the addition of chemicals.
At Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, we also only work with wood from sustainably managed forests.
How does the Shou Sugi Ban technique work?
Traditionally, the same method of burning wood was often used in Japan. A kind of chimney was formed with several planks and a fire was lit underneath.
Nowadays, our fire master burns the wood in an oven. Since 2012, we have been combining
old-fashioned craftsmanship (and a heart for wood and fire) with modern technology. The result:
a beautiful collection of black charred wood of the highest quality. Exclusive and each with their own beautiful texture, character and finish. All orders are cut to size especially for you, and carefully fired. This creates a unique colour and texture in the wood.
Ordering wood from Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban
Do you want to realise a unique home? Or are you working on a project for which you want an authentic look? Then go for our high-quality Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, burnt according to the age-old Shou Sugi ban technique. We are happy to advise you on the different types of wood. That way we will achieve the most beautiful result.
FAQ
Latest reviews
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.”
