Textural, bold, striking and resilient ‘Shou Sugi Ban’ (also known as charred or blackened wood) is the traditional Japanese method of charring wood with fire to create an elegant and durable architectural finish.
The process of heat treatment creates a carbon layer on the wood that makes it more weather-resistant for a low maintenance solution, while also enhancing the natural elements of the wood by drawing out a richer shade and its distinctive texture.
Atelier TwentyOne offers a number of wood options to help achieve your design aesthetic.
At Atelier TwentyOne we have over 20 years’ experience in construction and engineering. We have combined this expertise with a shared passion for burnt wood to develop a proprietary process that innovates the traditional Japanese way to produce Shou Sugi Ban. We create superior quality burnt wood solutions that can be used for all manner of applications, from siding and decking through to furniture.
To ensure speed of production, quality control and sustainable practices, Atelier TwentyOne manufactures our range in our factory in Poland. We source our wood from reliable partners to ensure all our products are environmentally conscious and long-lasting.
Tomasz Woronowicz
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Construction Specialist, Engineer
Julien Mougenot
Co-Founder
Project Manager, Chemical Engineer
Atelier TwentyOne has our own proprietary method of creating charred wood.
Source high quality and beautiful wood varieties such as Pine, Spruce and Siberian Larch from sustainably grown forests.
Burned using our proprietary technique to increase durability for a fire repellent outer layer, minimised rot and protection against the weather.
Wire brushed and oiled in a wide range of finishes to suit any project, or customised to your needs.
Atelier TwentyOne works in true partnership with our clients. We take the time to understand your needs, provide solutions to your challenges, and bring your design vision to life. To help exceed your expectations we offer:
1. Charred wood is a sustainable choice
Although actively used in both exteriors and interior designs, Shou Sugi Ban makes an excellent solution for exterior projects due to its low maintenance and durability. The charring process is a sustainable way to naturally protect the siding.
It’s a more sustainable choice given it is environmentally friendly and doesn’t contribute to pollution. We don’t use chemicals so there is no risk of anything leaching, making it a safe for residential properties especially with children or pets.
Shou Sugi Ban can last for lifetimes with low maintenance, but once its lifespan is reached, it can be recycled or disposed of without worrying about environmental impact.
2. Get a bold look without maintenance and harmful ingredients
If you want a bold look for your project, this can also be achieved using different materials, paints, and stains. However, what they can’t achieve is retaining the beauty and integrity of the original wood grain like the blackened wood Shou Sugi Ban process. They may also contain ingredients that are bad for you and the environment and need ongoing maintenance.
3. Shou Sugi Ban works well in any design
Charred wood is a versatile material that can suit all aesthetic design outcomes be it modern, classic, rustic, or luxury. To create a luxury look, it may be paired with marble, brass, and mirrors, or for a neutral rustic look, with stone and other wood types. It’s breadth of finishes can complement any design situation, offering a premium look and feel.
4. Charred wood offers many different textures and tones
People often associate charred wood with black alligator style char and tone but there are many different looks that can be achieved. We love the subtle grey/blue hues of our white char finish, through to the dramatic, grain-rich looks of our deep charred black wood. There are also many species of wood that can be used to achieve different grain, tone and textural outcomes, as well as finishes that we can apply.
5. Get creative with siding and wall covering designs
In addition to textures and tones, wood siding allows you to install in patterns that really showcase the wood, for example you can use thin cut boards and install diagonally or wider slats in a horizontal shiplap.
We would love the opportunity to support you to bring your project to life.
Atelier TwentyOne can provide advice and guidance on installation aspects including fixings, finishes, coating, cost and lead times. We recommend you work with experienced contractors to fit your products.
