焼杉 - Yakisugi, Playing With Fire
Yakisugi (焼杉), a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation, offers a fascinating blend of heritage and innovation. "Yaki" translates to "burn," and "Sugi" refers to the Japanese cedar tree. In some Western countries, it's known as Shou Sugi Ban (焼 杉 板), with "Ban" signifying "plank."
This ancient technique involves lightly charring the surface of wood, a process that carbonizes the material, making it waterproof and highly durable. The carbonized layer not only fortifies the wood against the elements but also serves as a natural deterrent against insect infestations and fungal decay.
While Yakisugi remains rooted in tradition, it has also found a place in contemporary design, as exemplified by architect Terunobu Fujimori's work. Its application is expanding in the Western world, even though it is not yet widely known. Thanks to similar geographical latitudes, this method of wood preservation is adaptable to European woods. An impressive showcase of Yakisugi can be found in the "House on Stilts" in Regensburg, a three-story staff residence for the Bavarian State Forests, featuring a remarkable 760 square meters of Yakisugi cladding.
In traditional Japanese charring, three planks are bound together to form a triangular tube. A paper is ignited inside, and the tube is positioned vertically. The chimney effect ensures consistent charring of the wood's surface. After the upper layer is carbonized, the planks are separated and doused with water. Nowadays, industrial carbonization facilities employ standardized procedures to yield consistent results. For interior applications or furniture crafting, a fixative is often applied to secure the charred layer.
In Europe, Yakisugi is gaining popularity, but its complex process still bestows it with an air of exclusivity. The furniture creations of Lueckenfueller Design in Vienna, Europe, draw inspiration from this remarkable technique, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Yakisugi, with its elegant fusion of artistry and functionality, serves as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional methods and the transformative power of human craftsmanship. It is a reminder that the art of wood preservation can also be an art of aesthetic transformation and innovation, one that has found a home both in Japan and across the oceans.
Interior Ideas
Shop handmade Yakisugi Furniture. Lueckenfueller is a highend carpenter located in Vienna. The Yakisugi Firness is the masterfully crafted highlight. I personally adore minimalistic furniture with organic texture. It gives your interior a warm touch while keeping a light, spacy layout.
Something that I feel is a brilliant match to Yakisugi Furniture is dark black natural ceramic. The play with different shades of black can be such a visual pleasure. Black is not only black but with taking away the vibrant colors the eye focuses even more on texture, haptics and light reflections. If you try it out I would be so happy to see what you can do with it.
