Dwell.com recently posted a slideshow of Terunobu Fujimori, a
Japanese architect who does some amazingly beautful things with charred
cedar. After searching around and finding nothing more on the actual
process of charring cedar I still feel compelled to post this, if not
only for my own remembrance in the future. The first set of images are
of Fujimori’s process in making charred cedar planks.
Fujimori
demonstrating the process of charring cedar boards, packs newspaper
into the base of three planks that have been bound together.
To begin the charring process, the newspaper that has been packed between the boards is set on fire.
Fujimori uses a tool to coax the fire up the boards; this ensures and even charring of the wood.
Once the fire is evenly distributed across the length of the board, it is simply a matter of patience.
After seven minutes, the length of time it takes to produce the proper amount of char, the boards are separated.
The craftsman pours water over the boards to halt the charring process.
After
the flames have been put out, the boards continue to crackle and smoke.
Charring the boards properly requires a delicate balance between just
enough burning, but not too much.
The
primitive and painstaking process is said to protect wood against rain,
rot, and insects for 80 years. It also give the exteriors a reptilian
texture thats as striking as it is practical.
The following are images of structures clad in charred cedar. These are also by Fujimori. Enjoy!
