Hakuu Natural
Hakuu Natural
Charred + Unbrushed + Uncoated
Traditional charred Yakisugi Japanese cedar, unbrushed and unoiled for a matte, time-honed finish
Product Overview
Hakuu Natural is Studio Tsukuru’s unoiled, unbrushed Yakisugi (shou sugi ban) cedar. The boards are heat-charred using traditional Japanese technique to produce a soft, matte black surface that reveals subtle timber grain and tactile texture. Left unoiled, Hakuu Natural develops a unique, site-specific patina over time that celebrates wabi-sabi aesthetics and low-intervention finishes. It represents the most restrained expression within the Hakuu Yakisugi range.
Key Features
-Authentic technique: Traditional heat-charring for genuine Yakisugi texture and depth.
-Matte, unoiled finish: Low initial sheen that weathers naturally to a lived-in patina.
-Visual texture: Char allows the grain to read through the char for a tactile, layered look.
-Durable surface: Heat treatment increases surface hardness and slows moisture uptake compared with untreated timber.
-Low initial maintenance: No factory oiling means owners who prefer natural weathering can install and leave it to age.
-Versatile profiles: Available as cladding, feature timbers in custom lengths and sizes.
-Spec-ready: Pair with stainless fixings, ventilated cavity and breathable membrane for long-term performance.
Use Cases
-Exterior cladding and facades for homes and boutique commercial buildings, creates a strong architectural statement with evolving character.
-Privacy screens and fencing, deep char provides visual privacy with refined material presence.
-Architectural battens and shading devices, durable and visually striking for sun-screening and facades.
profiles and dimensions
(mm)
Specifications
Our boards are supplied in two profiles, tongue and groove or shiplap.
Species, thickness and length are the same across both; only the cover width differs:
- Species: Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar / sugi), density 350 to 420 kg/m3
- Board width: 140mm total. Cover width 122mm for tongue and groove, 129mm for shiplap. Use the cover width for take-off, not the 140mm face.
- Thickness: 21mm
- Length: 3,930mm
- Serviceable life: 30+ years
- Moisture content: 14% or lower at installation
The low density that makes sugi easy to handle and quick to install is the same property that gives genuine shou sugi ban its character. It is a cladding board, designed and milled for the wall.
Installation Tips
Actionable specification tip: Always include a ventilated back cavity, stainless steel fixings and leave a 6–10 mm expansion gap to accommodate seasonal movement.
If you want the original char tone to remain longer, apply a penetrating, breathable oil after installation and reapply as needed, typically every 2–4 years depending on exposure.
Request a free sample or the full technical spec sheet via studiotsukuru.com.au.
FAQ
Hakuu is a Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban charred timber cladding crafted from premium Japanese cedar (sugi). It features a smooth, understated surface texture, combining the traditional charring technique with modern finishing for a refined appearance and high durability.
Only carefully selected straight-grain logs are used, undergoing the traditional Yakisugi charring process. All brushing and coating are carried out in Melbourne to ensure consistent quality, precise colour control, and performance tailored to Australian conditions.
Hakuu is suitable for both exterior and interior applications, including wall cladding, interior feature walls, decking, railings, and pergolas. With UV and moisture resistance, plus a breathable, non-film-forming finish, it delivers long-lasting performance across a variety of climates.
The surface is highly water-repellent, allowing rainwater to run off naturally. When left unoiled, Hakuu will gradually develop a natural patina over time. If desired, re-oiling can be applied in the future to maintain or enhance colour and protective performance.