Steps: How to Make Charred Cedar Cladding

Master Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori is an original thinker, and a pro at melding ancient traditions with modern design. So who better to offer a quick primer on how to char your own cedar wood, in order to seal the wood against rot, rain, and fire? Here, he demonstrates the six (only slightly dangerous!) steps to transform your boards into surprisingly sleek and smart siding. To see this kind of cladding in action, check out our Facade Focus slideshow.

Master Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori is an original thinker, and a pro at melding ancient traditions with modern...

Fujimori uses a tool to coax the fire up the boards; this ensures an even charring of the wood.

Once the fire is evenly distributed across the length of the board, it is simply a matter of patience.

After seven minutes, the length of time it takes to produce the proper amount of char, the boards are separated.

The craftsman pours water over the boards to halt the charring process.

The primitive and painstaking process is said to protect wood against rain, rot, and insects for 80 years.

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