“Let’s Do It!” Using Charred Wood to Create A New Wall

When Chris Meyer and I first met with our new clients in their home, one of them was pretty focused on the fire in the mantle-less see through fireplace. There was a fair hint of soot on the white brick above the firebox, which prompted us to ask about the frequency of use. The reply was “in winter”. Their project was to build a fire in the fall and let it die when the bluebells bloomed in spring.

SALA Architect Eric Odor Charred Wood

We talked about a new mantle for the fireplace and briefly discussed a ¼” plate of mild steel that we could let into the existing brick mortar joint. This concept expanded to plating the dining wall opposite the fireplace with mild iron panels to create a featured monolith in the newly opened plan that could be viewed from most anywhere on the main floor. Everyone loved the idea of a black wall to reinforce the black hole of the firebox, but we weren’t sure we had the right material. Then the idea of charred wood sparked into the mix and the conversation was over, followed by a chorus of “let’s do it!”

Fortunately, Jay Stills of Urban Rebuilders was game and experienced. We talked it through and designed the wall on the spot. Fir tongue & groove siding boards were custom cut with a ½” horizontal reveal and mitered at the thick, exposed end to create the monolithic feel we were after. The boards were cut and charred in the shop and then brought to the site for installation. Charring is a meticulous and time consuming sport where one must be very careful not to char too much or too little, and be very cognizant of the board movement from the char before it relaxes and settles back into place. Once installed the boards were sealed with oil based varnish (ZAR) in a Antique Flat sheen to prevent the casual passerby going home with black soot on a white shirt.

SALA Architect Eric Odor Charred Wood

This truly collaborative effort of owner, builder and architect made this wall emblematic of an absolutely delightful remodeling.

SALA Architect Eric OdorEric Odor has decades of experience using unique yet beautiful materials. For some more commentary on his designs, take a look at some of Eric's past posts! For more of his work, visit his profile page!