Nakamoto Forestry

Yakisugi, inside and out.

From exterior cladding to interior walls and ceilings, yakisugi brings depth, texture, and longevity to every surface. Its charred grain can define a facade, soften a room, and create a continuous material language between architecture and landscape.

1. Orcas House. Interior Photograph: Will Austin, Architect: Syndicate Smith LLC, Builder: West Corp Construction
2. Komorebi House. Architecture + Build: Assembly Architecture + Build, Photographer: Jordan Powers, Engineering: Dunn Structural, Interior Design: Amber Kennedy
3. Northport Studio. Architect: Mathison I Mathison Architects, Contractor: Cooley Contracting, LLC, Photographer: Scott Norsworthy
4. Hill House. Architect: Kcs Architects, Builder: Niemela Design Builders, Photographer: Ryan Bent

https://bit.ly/49zyC5A

Revisiting the projects that stopped your scroll to spotlight the yakisugi finishes used.

These designs set the bar high for how craftsmanship and character come together, with each yakisugi finish chosen a perfect match for its setting.

1, 2 & 3 – Lake Champlain. Architect: Studio MMA Architecture + Design, General Contractor: Red House Building, Structural Engineer: Artisan Engineering, Landscape Architect: Knauf Landscape Architecture, Photographer: Ryan Bent Photography
4, 5 & 6 – Seattle Lakehouse. Architect: SHED Architecture & Design, Builder: Whelbilt Homes, Photographer: Rafael Soldi Photography
7, 8 & 9 – Octothorpe House. Architect: Mork Ulnes Architects, Photographer: Jeremy Bittermann/JBSA Images
10, 11 & 12 – Swift Cabin. Architect: Ment Architecture, Builder: Andrews Construction, Photographer: Adam Lawler

Le Petit Théâtre de Nivelle in Nivelle, France.

Designed as an extension to an existing farmhouse where performances were hosted, this angular building is home to a 161-seat private theater, transforming the property into a fully-fledged cultural venue.

Its clean geometry and textured material palette imbues a modern identity, while the yakisugi cladding brings the warmth, texture, and depth with contrasting finishes: lightness from sealed Pika-Pika® and dramatic darkness from black Gendai®.

Project: Théâtre de Nivelle
Products: Pika-Pika with transparent finish, Gendai with water-based protection Ebony
Architect: KONTEXT architects LLC
Builder: Edwood Construction Bois

https://bit.ly/4fOpYEc

Did someone say pool season???

Explore these feature projects: https://bit.ly/3GeL5QN

Featured projects:
1. East Hampton Modern. Architect: Workshop/APD, Contractor: Shoshi Builders, Landscape: Farm Landscape Design, Photographer: Read McKendree / JBSA Images
2-3. Plaza Midwood Pool House. Architect: Josh Allison Architecture, Photographer: Anthology Photography, Builder: Stanwick Dunham Builders
4. Lafayette ADU. Architecture: Mahya Salehi Studio, Landscape: Strata Landscape Architects, Builder: GR Innovative Builders, Photographer: R. Brad Knipstein
5. Shadybrook Project. Architect: Samaha Studio, Photography: CS8 Photo
6. The Plus House. Architecture: Höweler+Yoon, Builder: Page Construction Services, Photographer: Hadley Fruits, Owners: The Plus House
7. Mountain Pool House. Architect: EH Architect, Builder: Red House Building, Photographer: Ryan Bent Photo

Featured on Dwell, the Elemental House is a sculptural composition of dark forms tucked away on a wooded lot in Maine.

Conceived by We Are OPAL for a young family of four, the design balances modern efficiency with enduring material craft. The dark, charred surface of our Gendai® yakisugi finished with a black linseed oil contrasts starkly with the airy interiors.

“We were drawn to the beautiful natural tones and textures the [yakisugi heat treatment] process creates on the surface, which allows for variation while using the same material,” said OPAL design partner Riley Pratt.

At night, the interplay of dark and light materials combined with the floor-to-ceiling glass openings produces a dramatic lantern-like effect.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/49NlnhA

Product: Gendai® Linseed Black
Architecture: We Are OPAL
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Contractor: StoneWood Builders of Maine
Photographer: Trent Bell Photography

Vote for Gendai® and Sugi Weathering Stain Silver in ’s A+Product Awards today through May 15!

We’re honored to see this innovative finish for our most popular yakisugi and unburned Japanese cedar cladding recognized as one of five finalists by this year’s jury.

Now, it’s time for you to cast your vote. The Popular Choice Award is decided entirely by the public, allowing you to champion the materials that you feel are shaping the world’s most enduring architecture.

Public voting is open now through May 15. You can submit one vote per category every 24 hours by visiting the Architizer A+Product Awards voting site: https://bit.ly/4urw4P5

Thank you for your continued appreciation of our craft!

Featured Projects:
Slide 2: Silver House – Architect: Modern Habitat
Slide 3: Svart Hus – Designer: K. Smith X Design, Photographer: xoMe Studio
Slides 4-5: Concord Pool House – Architect: Therben, Contractor: Lipcon Construction

Imagine waking up in Colorado, surrounded by towering pines with views of Wilson Peak and Lone Cone Mountain.

That’s daily life at the Gurley Lake House, a retreat designed to be a hidden gem amidst its natural surroundings.

Clad in Pika-Pika® Unoiled and Alkyd Brown, this home celebrates the harmony of architecture and landscape, with materials that age gracefully and honor the environment.

Explore the project: https://bit.ly/4tsD3qT

Project: Gurley Lake House
Architect: TrueLinea Architects
Builder: Trifecta Construction LLC
Photographer: Whit Richardson Photography