Welcome To AysKuro
Our team at AysKuru is led by Nathen Ayscough, the company’s Director, whose journey into woodworking began at the age of 16 when he started as an apprentice cabinet maker. Those early years laid the foundation for a deep respect for craftsmanship, precision, and the importance of doing things properly. Through learning traditional cabinet making techniques, Nathen developed patience, discipline, and a lasting appreciation for working with natural materials.
Over time, his passion for wood evolved beyond conventional joinery and led him to the art of Shou Sugi Ban—the traditional Japanese technique of charring timber to preserve and enhance its natural beauty. For the past five years, Nathen has dedicated himself to mastering this process, building extensive hands-on experience and continually refining the methods used by the AysKuru team to achieve exceptional and consistent results.
At AysKuru, we are driven by a genuine passion for both the product and the process behind it. As a team, we believe that outstanding results begin with outstanding materials, which is why we carefully select only the finest quality timber. Every piece we produce is treated with care, precision, and close attention to detail, ensuring it not only looks striking but also meets the highest standards of durability and longevity.
Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, allowing us to create products that feel both timeless and contemporary. Whether producing architectural cladding, bespoke features, or custom commissions, our goal remains the same: to deliver work that reflects quality, integrity, and pride in the craft.
As a team, we take great satisfaction in transforming raw timber into something truly unique—products that tell a story through their texture, depth, and character. Above all, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards and continually developing our skills to ensure every project represents the very best of AysKuru.
About Us
Shou Sugi Ban, or Yakisugi, is a traditional Japanese method of preserving timber through controlled charring. Refined over centuries, this process enhances the performance of wood by increasing its resistance to moisture, decay, insects and weathering. The result is a highly durable, low-maintenance material ideally suited to modern architectural applications.
Beyond its technical benefits, Shou Sugi Ban offers a distinctive architectural finish. The charring process reveals and enhances the natural grain, creating surfaces with depth, texture and tonal variation that cannot be replicated by artificial treatments. From deep matte blacks to subtle silvery charred tones, Yakisugi provides architects with a versatile and expressive facade material.
Increasingly specified across residential, commercial and public projects in the UK and internationally, charred timber aligns with contemporary architectural priorities: longevity, sustainability and material authenticity. Responsibly sourced timber, combined with a time-proven treatment process, delivers a façade solution that ages gracefully and performs reliably in demanding environments.
Whether used for external cladding, façades, soffits or interior features, Shou Sugi Ban brings together tradition and innovation—offering architects a refined, durable and visually compelling material for modern design.
Direct Consultation
Every project starts with a conversation about your vision, functional requirements, and the unique Shou Sugi Ban texture that best suits your space.
Artisan Design Review
We translate concepts into technical drawings and material samples, ensuring architectural precision meets the organic beauty of charred wood.
Traditional Execution
Utilizing centuries-old Japanese techniques, we hand-craft each piece with a focus on longevity, durability, and a unique charred finish.
Our Bespoke Designs
Autumn
This Shou Sugi Ban charred timber showcases a striking linear grain with rich amber tones set against deep charcoal bands, creating a bold and sophisticated natural pattern. The traditional Japanese charring process enhances the woods durability while bringing out dramatic contrast and texture of the grain. Highly valued for its distinctive aesthetics, this finish adds warmth, depth and contemporary character to interior features, cladding and bespoke joinery, while offering improved resistance to weather, insects and decay
Rhaegal
This Shou Sugi Ban charred timber features prominent natural knots and flowing grain patterns highlighted by warm brown tones and deep charcoal accents. The traditional charring process enhances the woods durability while emphasising the organic character of the timber, creating a rich, textured appearance. Ideal for cladding, feature walls and bespoke interior however this is the only design which may fade in colour over a long duration of time when in direct sunlight, this finish offerers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and depth.
Smoked
This Shou Sugi Ban charred timber features a deep, all-black finish with a distinctive crackled “alligator” texture created during the traditional charring process. The rich carbonised surface delivers bold, contemporary aesthetics while enhancing the timber natural durability. Highly sought after for architectural cladding and feature applications, this finish offers striking visual depth, strong weather resistance and a timeless, refined appearance.
Shadow
This Shou Sugi Ban charred timber showcases a smooth, rich, jet black surface with a beautifully defined grain formed through the traditional Japanese charring technique. Its deep carbonised layer creates a dramatic, architectural statement while naturally strengthening the timber against the elements. Favoured for premium cladding, facades and standout interior features, this finish delivers exceptional visual depth, enhanced longevity and elevates any design.
Contact us
Contact Us
Our team is dedicated to the preservation of master-grade Shou Sugi Ban. We accept a limited number of custom furniture commissions and architectural cladding projects each year to maintain exceptional quality.
Email us:
contact@ayskuro.com
Call us:
07956718334