At Pentarch, we’re a bit obsessed with how timber is treated. The way it’s charred, cooled, brushed and oiled is the difference between “nice cladding” and architecture that genuinely stops people in their tracks.
That’s why we partner with Chartek.
Chartek is a Christchurch-based specialist dedicated to one thing only: charring timber using the traditional yakisugi (shou sugi ban) process, upgraded with serious engineering smarts.
Murray, Chartek’s founder, is an engineer by trade. Instead of accepting the limitations of off-the-shelf gear, he designed and built his own state-of-the-art charring machine – purpose-built to run at extreme, tightly controlled temperatures and deliver an incredibly consistent burn* across every board. In a process where a few seconds too long (or too short) can change everything, that precision is gold.
Chartek can char a wide range of timbers – from Accoya and thermally modified pine, to Thermory ash and Japanese cedar – creating finishes that range from refined brushed grain through to deep, sculptural “dragon skin” textures. Their expertly charred boards not only look spectacular, they also offer improved durability, dimensional stability and reduced maintenance, making them ideal for New Zealand’s harsh coastal and alpine conditions.
You’ll already find Chartek’s work on award-winning homes and standout commercial projects across the country, regularly featured in design media and House of the Year–level builds.
For Pentarch, this partnership means every board that leaves our yard has a char we can stand behind: beautifully even, properly cooked, and finished to bring out the best in our carefully sourced timber.
If you’re considering Yakisugi for your next project, you’re not just choosing a cladding – you’re tapping into a collaboration between timber specialists and charring engineers who live for this craft. Talk to us about specifying a Chartek finish on your Yakisugi profile, and let’s create something bold, black and built to last.
*Burn consistency is directly influenced by material density. Japanese cedar is relatively uniform, but other timbers can vary significantly in density, which affects the final finish.