The Blackwood Project

04/09/2026

22/08/2026

What makes good ahou sugi ban?

02/06/2026

Experience. Engineering. Repeatable Ex*****on.

Creating a perfectly defined char line isn't luck. It's the result of process, control, and years of refinement.

When the detail matters, repeatability matters.

23/05/2026

Knotty timber becomes spotty timber.

In charred cedar, knots are denser than surrounding timber. They char differently, weather differently, and expose lighter areas as carbon wears away.

The result is a patchier, less consistent surface over time.

A small timber detail — but a big visual one.

19/05/2026

Historically traditional timber selection was dominated by what was available in Japan. Like all construction materials charred timber has evolved to new better options. Read why Japanese cedar or Sugi is no longer considered the best option for Shou Sugi Ban.

traditional material choice and modern quality control are not the same thing.

15/05/2026

Write in in your calendar. Sunday 7:30pm TVNZ 1 Another stunning home from the Blackwood Project.

14/05/2026

Sit down and enjoy the journey of a fantastic home build using our beautiful charred timber on Grand Designs this Sunday.

13/05/2026

Why knotty-grade Japanese cedar (Sugi) is a poor choice for charred cladding — beautiful fresh, but knots don’t char, weather, or age like the surrounding board, leaving a patchy finish. Read our quick guide on choosing the right timber for consistent, long-lasting charred cladding.

https://wix.to/taVfTnk

Knotty grade timber like Sugi or Japanese Cedar can look attractive when it is fresh, but for charred timber cladding, knotty grade timber is a substandard choice because knots do not char, weather, or age the same way as the surrounding board.

04/05/2026

Yakisugi it's more than just charred timber it's texture and character that lasts a lifetime