Charring timbers creates a timeless aesthetic and a low-maintenance finish. It has been specified by architects, developers and landscape gardeners in the UK for 15 years. Yet, this traditional technique was developed in 18th-century Japan. In this article, we discover some fantastic examples of yakisugi architecture in Japan.
Wooden Construction at Historic Japanese Temples
We are often asked how long our Shou Sugi Ban timbers will last. In Japan, there are many examples of charred timber buildings dating back over a century. It’s interesting to note that the Japanese climate is very similar to the UK. What’s more, it is uncommon for the timbers to be treated and maintained. Instead, they are left to naturally weather.
The oldest wooden temple in Japan is Horyu-ji Temple in Nara. In the western precinct, the pagoda, kondo, and chumon all contain timbers which have been carbon dated. They were originally installed over a thousand years ago and have been charred during fires. These buildings, along with others on the site, have been renovated over the years. As a result, the timeless yakisugi timbers are more recent additions to this world heritage site.
Examples of yakisugi construction can be found at many of Japan’s revered temples. They include buildings at Ginkaku-ji and Enryaku-ji temples, both in Kyoto.
Everyday Yakisugi Architecture
Although temples provide stunning examples of yakisugi architecture, the preservation properties of charred timber were widely used in residential and rural areas. Boat houses, called funaya, were often constructed using yakisugi timbers, as they withstood the moist and salty sea air. There are wonderful examples in the fishing village of Ine.
Equally, the durability and rot resistance of yakisugi made it a popular option for machija townhouses. The Saga-Toriimoto district of Kyoto is renowned for its preserved historic buildings. It includes wonderful examples of yakisugi gables and lower sidings on traditional storehouses and rural residences. Another example is the Takehara townscape conservation area, with traditional Japanese blackened timber sake houses, shrines and walls.
Areas like this showcase the longevity of charred timber when it is correctly installed and left in its natural state. A reapplication of oils can further enhance the lifespan.
Creating Contrast with Plaster & Timber Finishes
Across Japan, there are many examples of plaster and timber finishes on buildings. These homes and commercial properties were typically built with a timber, bamboo and clay framework, finished with a fine, smooth, white plaster. This creates a dramatic contrast with the textured, dark, charred timbers. There are examples in the city of Omihachiman in the Shiga prefecture.
It is a similar style to our traditional Tudor buildings, of which there are a few surviving examples in Cheshire and Herefordshire.
Modern Yakisugi Architecture in Japan
In the 20th Century, the tradition for wooden buildings in Japan was replaced by concrete construction. Reinforced concrete enabled rapid urban development and greater protection from earthquakes and fires. However, these lack character.
Modern architects, including Terunobu Fujimori and Kengo Kuma, have been inspired to return to tradition. They cite the environmental value of charred timber construction and are keen to explore ways to develop its use alongside modern technologies.
Yakisugi House
In 2007, Terunobu Fujimori designed Yakisugi House, which marked the first revival of charred timber in Japanese architecture. Fujimori also built a charred timber tea house, which provided a viewing platform overlooking the main stadium at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Comico Art Museum
Fujimori sparked a return to the craftsmanship and both visual and tactile qualities of yakisugi, with new buildings being inspired by heritage styles. This is demonstrated in innovative developments, such as the Comico Art Museum in Yufuin. It was designed as a clustered structure and clad in charred timber, so the building blends in with the surrounding village and mountains.
Kure City Ondu Civic Centre
Like the funaya boat houses, the Kure City Ondo Civic Centre overlooks the sea, and this is reflected in the architectural design. The building features a dominant sweeping roof and charred exterior boards. The horizontal, overlapping cladding is finished with thin vertical pieces to reflect the flow of waves.
Okayama Fruit Museum
Okayama Fruit Museum is a renovation and repurposing of an old, abandoned building. Parts of the original building have been left exposed to enable visitors to see the traditional carpentry crafts. Yakisugi is not the only nod to the past, as local Bengala red iron oxide pigment was used to dye the floor. This complements the pink interior, which is a memorable feature of the museum.
Yaksisugi in the UK
Drawing on the traditions of yakisugi, we developed the Shou Sugi Ban® range of hand-crafted timbers for the UK market in 2011. Although some suppliers have industrialised the process, we continue to manufacture charred timbers in our on-site factory, using traditional Japanese methods. However, we’ve added a twist to yakisugi, creating a range of textured and colour finish options.
Shou Sugi Ban® has been specified by architects to add a durable and beautiful finish to many unique and stylish UK residential and commercial developments. Take a look at our brochure and call us on 01494 711800 to book a showroom visit or request samples.