Charred wood

A special animal collection deserves a building with an equally thoughtful material identity. For LimburgHUIS at GaiaZOO, the starting point was clear: the use of natural materials and a design approach with minimal environmental impact. Caption Located within the green surroundings of the zoo, the building combines local character with a strong architectural expression. The base is constructed from Kunraderstone, a natural stone from the province of Limburg. Above this grounded foundation, Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was used to create a dark, tactile and distinctive upper volume. Caption For the main façade, Naoshima by Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was selected. The charred wood gives the building a powerful black appearance... More

On two adjacent plots with a total area of 894 square metres, two detached single-storey houses from the 1960s have been transformed into one coherent architectural composition. Designed by Thomas Wyss, the project brings together Japanese-inspired details, natural materials and a deep sensitivity to landscape. Jürg Zimmermann Rather than allowing the architecture to dominate its setting, the design creates a calm dialogue with the garden. Water, stone, trees and carefully framed views become part of the spatial experience. Inside and outside are closely connected, with large openings, natural timber, stone surfaces and refined detailing guiding the eye towards the surrounding greenery. Jürg Zimmermann For the fa&ccedi... More

Surrounded by flowers, mature greenery and the river Le Clain, this villa in France has undergone a complete transformation. The renovation gives the house a contemporary architectural identity, while preserving a strong connection with its natural setting. Caption For the façade, Marugame by Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was selected to bring depth, texture and character to the renovated volume. The distinctive black charred wood wraps the building in a powerful material layer, creating a clear contrast with the surrounding garden, natural stone elements and soft landscape. Caption The silvery-black charcoal surface of Marugame gives the villa a refined and tactile appearance. Its textured finish catches the light in subtle... More

In Riehen, Switzerland, a place known for its radical residential architecture, this modernist villa by Barcelo Baumann Architekten makes a powerful statement through material restraint. Japanese and South American influences come together in a design defined by strong horizontal lines, layered volumes and a carefully composed palette of black, brown and grey. Lukas Galantay For this project, Marugame by Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was selected to bring depth, texture and intensity to the façade. The deep black charred wood contrasts beautifully with the raw concrete structure, while at the same time reinforcing the architectural clarity of the building. Between the concrete bands, the Marugame boards introduce rhythm, shadow and... More

Surrounded by water, open fields and mature trees, this holiday home on Schermerland is designed as a place of calm, connection and retreat. The architecture sits carefully within the landscape, embracing the quiet rhythm of the surroundings while creating a strong and contemporary material identity. For this project, the architects selected Shodoshima by Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban to clad the three separate volumes. By using the same charred and brushed wood across the different elements, the design gains a sense of unity. The dark façades connect the main house, the guest volume and the yoga space, while allowing each volume to retain its own position within the landscape. Jorrit ’t Hoen Jorrit ’t Hoen The de... More

An elegant cube with a silvery sheen. Creative teams of architects are at work at this headquarters.  In September 2019, our charred wood Marugame was ready to be mounted on the facade. For this project, we fired the planks of different widths piece by piece in our own oven. Christa Henke The black facade with playful pattern perfectly matches the square windows and the glossy look of the Daelken logo.  The design by Daelken architektur stands for strength, warmth and style. Christa Henke More

The new fire station for Wegberg has a wooden construction and Marugame cladding thanks to the design of Scheidt Kasprusch Architekten! The reasons for a wooden construction are because of its beauty, sustainability and energy efficiency. Constantin Meyer Fotografie Designed as a passive house, the fire station focuses on the sustainable use of materials and resources. A high ecological standard is ensured by reusable and recyclable building materials and energy-optimised equipment. Constantin Meyer Fotografie Finally, economic quality is largely ensured by low-maintenance components and materials, including the Marugame cladding. Constantin Meyer Fotografie More