As the end of the year approaches, we are delighted to report another successful year at Exterior Solutions Ltd. Our team have pulled out all the stops to keep Shou Sugi Ban® in the spotlight, so we all deserve a relaxing festive break. However, before we close our doors for Christmas on 22 December, let us share some highlights.
On the Shortlist for Awards
Back in January, it was our MD, Lana Harrison, who was shortlisted for an award. Lana was one of eight finalists in the Engineering & Manufacturing category at the Great British Business Women Awards. We enjoyed a splendid evening in London, surrounded by other high-calibre finalists.
More recently, it’s been Shou Sugi Ban® in the spotlight. Our charred timbers were selected to provide the finishing touch to Blackbird, a stunning lakeside property. This sleek architectural design won the RIBA South West Regional Award and was also featured in the RIBA House of the Year longlist.
Then, two Shou Sugi Ban® clad buildings reached the shortlist of the 2023 Wood Awards* in the Autumn.
- Dark Matter provides a unique and spacious garden office. The Hertfordshire owner now runs his successful recruitment business in this stunning build.
- Butterfly House is a 2-bed, self-contained dwelling. This fully accessible home provides a highly desirable living space for the client’s mother and her carer.
In both properties, the blackened timbers on the exterior of the building contrast with light timber interiors. The use of wood adds warmth and a tactile connection with nature. We look forward to seeing the results of other works in progress in the coming year.
Shou Sugi Ban® for Commercial Projects
Architects have also specified our Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber cladding for prestigious commercial projects this year. We are unable to disclose details, but it has been an honor to supply to some top UK attractions.
One commercial project, which got underway in April 2023, was the Darley Street Market in Bradford. As part of a major regeneration of the city center, the building work is now complete. Demand was high and the traders are now involved in the design and fit-out of their stalls.
On the back of this, many surrounding commercial property owners have applied for funding to upgrade their buildings. This is promising progress in bringing new life to the city. Darley Street Market is due to open to the public in May 2024, which is a good reason for a trip to Yorkshire!
Shou Sugi Ban in the Media
Charred timber clad architecture has been in the spotlight thanks to Dezeen Magazine this year. In February, Zig Zag, a property extension and garden room project made the cut. Dark Matter was featured in January and again in September.
As part of an article on the Wood Award shortlist, we also saw Dark Matter and Butterfly House in a Timber Development UK article.
We are also aware that House & Interiors Scotland will include an editorial about Butterfly House in the New Year edition, which goes on sale at the end of December.
Have you spotted Shou Sugi Ban® projects in other publications?
Not All Good News
Unfortunately, we end this year with a challenge to our Shou Sugi Ban® trademark. Like Hoover®, the name we invented for our range of charred timbers has become a globally adopted term. Many people assume it is the traditional Japanese name for the charring process, rather than the name of our brand. However, the process has been known as Yakisugi in Japan for centuries.
Exterior Solutions Ltd became the Shou Sugi Ban® registered trademark owner in 2018. We are now in the position of having to defend our brand. Our reputation as a premium quality charred timber supplier depends on it!
Developing the Shou Sugi Ban® Product Range
We can’t let a challenge halt progress. So, work is underway to develop our range. As Siberian timbers are embargoed following the invasion of Ukraine, we have been researching alternative, sustainable sources.
The new year will see us trialling the Yakisugi technique on different timbers, to test finishes, resilience and durability. We are also evolving our range of colour-tinted timbers to refresh our offer. We’ll keep you posted on our continued research and development.
Enjoy the Festivities
For now, we raise a glass for this year’s success stories. Following some rest and relaxation, we will be recharged to take on whatever 2024 shall bring. We wish you a very productive New Year too, but for now, enjoy the festivities!