Close-up of Shou Sugi Ban millwork showing deeply charred wood grain used in custom hospitality furniture.

Charred Lumber

Shou Sugi Ban is a technique Developed in Japan and [br] traditionally used in architectural applications where [br] resistance to moisture, insects, and decay is essential.

Through controlled burning, the wood develops a [br] deeply textured, charred surface, where a process [br] associated with destruction becomes a practical [br] method of preservation.

This server station was developed in collaboration with [br] the one Michelin-star restaurant AnnaLena in Vancouver.

The design centers on the use of larch treated using the [br] Shou Sugi Ban technique, contrasted with a polished [br] stainless steel countertop.

Stainless steel cubby detail integrated into custom Shou Sugi Ban furniture with concealed millwork construction.
Torching wood during Shou Sugi Ban process for custom restaurant furniture and built-in millwork installation.
Straight-on front view of custom Shou Sugi Ban server station furniture with stainless steel cubby top and base kick, designed as restaurant millwork installation.

Construction

  • Countertop: Bent and polished quarter-inch stainless steel that functions as a durable work area while forming an integrated cubby for server trays.
  • Drawers: Three drawers mounted on push-to-open concealed undermount slides, allowing for hardware-free fronts.
  • Drawer fronts: Shou sugi ban–treated larch, epoxy-impregnated to improve resistance to moisture and wear
  • Reinforcement: Aluminum angle concealed behind the charred cedar drawer fronts to maintain rigidity
  • Base: Stainless steel kick plate

Charred wood hospitality furniture piece with stainless steel top and base kick, designed as custom restaurant millwork installation.