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Collection by Aileen Kwun

Black Beauties: 7 Modern Homes With Shou-Sugi-Ban Details

Organic and warm, these homes make the case for the charred-wood details inspired by the traditional Japanese method of treating cedar to make it rain, rot, and fire-resistant.

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The Japanese architect is known for cladding exteriors with charred cedar, but in this vacation retreat he adorns the wall surrounding an interior fireplace with an arresting composition of scorched wood strips.
The Japanese architect is known for cladding exteriors with charred cedar, but in this vacation retreat he adorns the wall surrounding an interior fireplace with an arresting composition of scorched wood strips.
The overall program is centered around the notion of light and shade as a “pervasive experience,” says architect Andrew Bernheimer, whose firm collaborated with Wes Deane of Highland Builders. Double-height skylights alternate along an east–west axis to take advantage of natural light patterns throughout the day. The aluminum-clad wood windows are by Unilux, and the sliding doors are by Arcadia.
The overall program is centered around the notion of light and shade as a “pervasive experience,” says architect Andrew Bernheimer, whose firm collaborated with Wes Deane of Highland Builders. Double-height skylights alternate along an east–west axis to take advantage of natural light patterns throughout the day. The aluminum-clad wood windows are by Unilux, and the sliding doors are by Arcadia.
Solbjør and his team utilized traditional Japanese techniques to create the midnight-black cedar exterior. Leftover wood from the owner’s farm was charred with charcoal and then stained with ink to add additional depth and a rich tone.
Solbjør and his team utilized traditional Japanese techniques to create the midnight-black cedar exterior. Leftover wood from the owner’s farm was charred with charcoal and then stained with ink to add additional depth and a rich tone.
The charred cedar exterior gently basks in the Alaskan sun.
The charred cedar exterior gently basks in the Alaskan sun.
After entering through the front door, visitors pass over the large koi pond on a cast-concrete footbridge chiseled to look like stone.
After entering through the front door, visitors pass over the large koi pond on a cast-concrete footbridge chiseled to look like stone.
Requirements for licensed contractors depend on the scope of work and the location of the project.
Requirements for licensed contractors depend on the scope of work and the location of the project.