There is a question that naturally arises when looking at the Yakisugi Speakers by Studio Ambre: did someone accidentally burn this object, or did they do it on purpose? The right answer — obviously — is the second one.
The Parisian studio Studio Ambre, known for an approach to materials that oscillates between a chemistry lab and a luthier’s workshop, has taken one of Japan’s oldest techniques, yakisugi (which literally means burnt cedar), and transposed it onto oak studio speakers. The result is an object that looks like it came out of a fire.
But do not think this is all left to chance. The process of making these speakers starts from oak samples subjected to extensive burning, not to destroy the wood, but to understand it better. Studio Ambre tested how surface carbonisation modifies density, porosity and the micro-relief of the grain. It was noted that each burnt sample produced unique patterns, subtle deformations — a sort of tactile “skin” that interacts with light and vibration in a way unlike any conventional finish.
The next step was stabilisation with transparent resin, which penetrates the carbonised surface and fixes it permanently. Not a varnish, not a surface protection: the resin enters the structure of the oak and crystallises every mark left by the heat.
Only at this point does the design give way to physics. Studio Ambre did not simply use the wood as an outer casing, but as an active acoustic component. To achieve this, the tuning was developed in collaboration with Phase Audio Systems, as carbonisation alters the surface cellular structure, reducing certain high-frequency reflections.
Furthermore, the distinctive aspect of the Yakisugi Sound System is that every piece is unrepeatable, and therefore unique, making it almost a handcrafted object.
The Yakisugi Speakers by Studio Ambre were presented during Milan Design Week 2026 as part of the Deoron project, which will present them again during 3daysofdesign from 10 to 12 June 2026.
