Some traditions are too striking to stay in the past. Shou Sugi Ban, the centuries-old Japanese technique of charring wood, is making a bold comeback – with a modern, sustainable twist.
Traditionally done by charring the surface of wood, the technique creates a rich, blackened texture while enhancing the wood’s natural resistance to elements. But now, thanks to modern advancements like Thermory Ignite, the tradition is being reborn—without the flame.
Reigniting an Ancient Craft
Once used to fortify Japanese cedar (Sugi) against fire, rot, and insects, Shou Sugi Ban (also known as Yakisugi) has experienced a major revival in design-forward homes and commercial spaces. You’ll see its dramatic black grain in luxury restaurants, boutique hotels, and contemporary residences across the country.
But there’s a problem with traditional charring: it’s messy, inconsistent, and only surface deep. While beautiful, it leaves the core of the board vulnerable to moisture and rot over time.
Enter Thermory Ignite.
With our (deceptively!) flame-free embossing and brushing technique, we capture the bold aesthetic of charred wood—right down to the iconic “dragon scale” texture—without ever lighting a match. And because our process is rooted in thermal modification, every board is stabilized and strengthened to the core.
“Ignite gave me the look of Shou Sugi Ban without the mess or high maintenance,” says architect Rachel Hills of The Hills Group. “It was like finding the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Project Spotlight: Rua Esperanza, California
For Hills’ latest project in Northern California—Rua Esperanza—the client came with a clear vision: create something sleek and modern, but make it feel rooted in nature.
“Initially, I was leaning toward black-painted cement plank siding with a lighter contrast,” Hills recalls. “But when I laid it out, the whole thing felt… flat.”
Then came Ignite. With its striking texture and charred aesthetic, Hills discovered the perfect material to bring warmth, contrast, and durability to her design.
“Pairing Ignite’s rich, charred wood look with natural wood plank and a soft limestone not only enhanced the structure’s clean lines, but also introduced that warm, organic feel my client craved.”
The result? A transitional Scandinavian home that balances modern edges with earthy materials—wrapped in a sustainable shell that can take on California’s harshest weather.
“It offers the look of Shou Sugi Ban without the upkeep,” Hills explains, “making it the ideal material to withstand the region’s hot summers and wet winters without compromising style.”
Why Architects & Designers Are Turning to Ignite
The versatility of Ignite goes far beyond the residential setting. We’ve seen it elevate restaurant façades, hotel lounges, and gallery walls, bringing depth and drama to commercial interiors while maintaining performance.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Modern Aesthetic, Zero Flame: Ignite mimics charred wood through a multi-step embossing and tinting process—no fire, no soot.
- Durable to the Core: Unlike traditional Shou Sugi Ban, our thermally modified boards offer long-term stability, resisting rot and warping with a 25+ year rot-resistance rating.
- Eco-Friendly by Design: Our process uses only heat and steam—no chemicals—making Ignite safe, sustainable, and aligned with green building practices.
The Look Without the Torch
Whether you’re designing a serene hillside retreat or a bustling downtown bistro, Ignite by Thermory honors ancient craftsmanship—without the downsides of charred wood. It’s the art of wood preservation, reimagined for today’s builders and tomorrow’s innovators.
Bring bold character, performance, and sustainability to your next build. Be a rebel – explore our full collection, and Ignite your next project today.
Image Credits: Terj Ugandi. Rachel Hills. Ricky Batista Photography
