ATELIER BOIS NOIR is distinguished by its dark and refined wood tones, obtained using a unique protection technique: Yakisugi. This ancestral Japanese process gives the wood an ebony color while providing exceptional resistance to weather, insects, and UV rays, proving its benefits over time.

In addition to bringing understated elegance to the wood, Yakisugi is perfectly aligned with current ecological values. This method requires no synthetic chemicals and guarantees natural and effective insulation.

ATELIER BOIS NOIR prioritizes transparency and eco-responsibility by locating its factory in the heart of a forest sanctuary in Burgundy. The woods used are carefully selected and come exclusively from PEFC-certified plantations.

During the training, students will create a collective work intended for outdoor use. At the end of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Understand the ecological benefits of burning wood in their practice
• Recognize the importance of the concept of imperfect perfection
• Become an environmentally friendly participant in their own right

Shou Sugi Ban, also known as Yakisugi, is a wood burning technique that involves inducing controlled combustion on one side of a solid wood board to increase its strength. In addition to giving the wood a dark and elegant color, this Japanese method is perfectly in line with current ecological values. It protects the wood without the use of synthetic chemicals and provides effective natural insulation.
Originating in Japan in the 18th century, the wood burning technique was reintroduced about twenty years ago in Canada, before spreading to Europe and Scandinavian countries. This traditional wood burning process is ideally suited to ecological transition initiatives, offering a sustainable and aesthetic alternative to conventional materials, with numerous ecological and visual benefits.

Day 1

Morning

• Introduction and presentation of the BLACKWOOD WORKSHOP
• Participants' roundtable discussion
• Presentation of SHOU SUGI BAN
• Introduction to WABI-SABI

Afternoon

• Recognition of the most common wood species and understanding their characteristics (technical and visual) based on the species
• Understanding the causes and consequences of wood deterioration outdoors over time. Presentation of the different chemical wood protection techniques (autoclave, heat-treated, stains, saturators, etc.)
• Presentation of the burning process, understanding the reactions of the material
• Presentation of the different burning techniques (traditional, semi-industrial, industrial)
• Presentation of the different possible finishes depending on the wood species

Day 2

Morning

• Detailed presentation of the traditional burning method
• Practical application of the burning and brushing technique in groups

Afternoon

• Practical application of the burning and brushing technique in groups
• Presentation of the different treatment products for burned wood depending on the finishes and applications

Day 3

Morning

• Creation of a personal object using an assembly technique

Afternoon

• Burning, brushing, and treatment

Day 4

Morning

• Project presentation
• Cutting and assembly of the piece Group

Afternoon

• Cutting and assembly of the group piece
• Burning of the group piece

Day 5

Morning

• Brushing and finishing

Afternoon

• Training debrief
• Return of personal item
• Workshop tidying

ATELIER BOIS NOIR: YAKISUGI (BURNT WOOD) SPECIALISTS

Julien Chaucheprat and Jérôme Pesant

After devoting a large part of their respective careers to the outdoor industry, particularly in the textile sector for one, and for sixteen years for Jérôme within a large industrial carpentry company, both passionate about mountains and wood, they decided to embark on a unique project with the desire to change mindsets. Their mission: to promote the Shou Sugi Ban technique, its environmental benefits, and its textured aesthetic.
Their creations are based on three essential principles:
Wood: a material 12 times more insulating than concrete, it is economical, renewable, healthy, and has a low ecological impact.
Shou Sugi Ban: this burnt wood technique increases the natural durability of wood by making it resistant to weather, insects, UV rays, and humidity, without the need for chemicals. Used outdoors, charred wood, simply treated with a natural oil, can last for a century, according to Japanese tradition.
Wabi-Sabi: an aesthetic concept that values ​​the beauty of imperfection and the natural aging of materials, thus respecting their environment without human intervention.
Shou Sugi Ban thus becomes much more than a method of preserving wood; it is a way of life, a philosophy, and a true aesthetic expression.
Today, their factory is nestled in a forest sanctuary in Burgundy. Jérôme and Julien select their logs with care and attach great importance to their processing. They consider themselves artisans of the black art of charring.

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop work
• Active participation and experimentation of participants are encouraged

• Group and personalized monitoring of work, regular updates
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Group feedback
• Sign-in sheet per half-day
• Certification of completion issued by Campus MaNa