Siding is a pretty dull subject—unless you're talking about charred cedar cladding, which makes our hearts go pitter-patter. It's beautiful to look at and practical, too—the ancient Japanese technique seals the wood against rain and rot, and makes it fire resistant. Here, a look at some houses that feature this ancient—and yet so modern—material. For additional examples of dark-colored exteriors, check out our slideshow
Back in Black.
Slideshow
Terunobu Fujimori's Charred Cedar House, completed in 2007, is clad in charred cedar boards, which have been treated with an ancient Japanese technique that seals the wood against rain and rot. Read our profile on the Japanese architect. Photo by Adam Friedberg.
