Setting the Stage Our two main mills in Hiroshima and Tokushima Japan are the largest yakisugi “shou sugi ban” millwork operation in the world, with a proprietary high-volume semi-automated millwork and heat…
traditional
DIY: Burning Shou Sugi Ban by the Traditional Japanese Flue Method
The Setup: Research, Preparation and Location are key One of the most interesting things about shou sugi ban is the transformational process used to make it–burning carefully prepared planks with intense heat…
Biophilic Design (and wood)
What is Biophilic Design? Biophilia is the human love of nature. Biophilic design is the practice of consciously incorporating materials or spaces that reinforce our relationship with the living world into the…
Japanese Burnt Wood Siding: Top 10 Myths About Shou Sugi Ban
Over the years we’ve seen a lot of mixed information circling the web surrounding what Japanese burnt wood siding (shou sugi ban) is, how it is used, and wood siding in general.…
The Japanese Concept of Mottainai
There are several ubiquitous words in Japanese that are great culture studies. One of the most important is the concept of mottainai. Mottainai represents the concepts of efficiency, modesty, and practicality, all…
Top 4 Reasons You Should Use Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) for Exterior Wood Siding Projects
Yakisugi, known as “shou sugi ban” in the west, is quickly becoming known worldwide as a great option for exterior wood siding. It’s inexpensive. It’s durable. It’s beautiful. It’s wholesome. But how…
Shou Sugi Ban Wood Longevity Vs. Color Longevity
This is a long and technical one because this subject is important, complex, nuanced and fun. Owners Want Low Maintenance and Beauty Architects and owners come to us for siding that is…
Shou Sugi Ban Durability: How Long Does Yakisugi Last?
Shou Sugi Ban lasts 80 years. That’s the number we hear nearly every day as the benchmark for how long shou sugi ban is supposed to last without maintenance. But how accurate…