Nakamoto Forestry at the Campfield
As we worked to design the Long Beach Campfield, we sought partners who closely aligned with our ethos and shared our belief in the possibilities of the site. As a Japanese brand, we sought to infuse design elements into the project that reflected our heritage and cultural roots.
Our partnership with Nakamoto Forestry formed out of our commonalities. Like Snow Peak, Nakamoto Forestry has over a half-century of experience in their space and shares an appreciation for craft, nature's beauty and sustainable practices. Headquartered in Japan, Nakamoto Forestry is the world's largest manufacturer of yakisugi. The process of growing, harvesting and finishing their products can take decades, requiring patience and careful cultivation.
At their four mills in Hiroshima and Tokushima prefectures, they produce siding and flooring from sugi, hinoki, pine, oak, cherry, cedar, spruce, and larch, grown in forests managed by Nakamoto since the 1920s.
What is Yakisugi?
Yakisugi ( which translates to burned cypress), also referred to as Shou Sugi Ban in the west, is cypress wood burned with a heat treatment that offers preservative qualities for low-maintenance wood siding. Originating in Japan, yakisugi is most often used for wall, ceiling cladding and fences. Yakisugi is always made from cypress, which is uniquely straight-grained, fast-drying, flexible, tannin-rich and strong.
Nakamoto Forestry At The Campfield
Nakamoto Forestry products can be found on every building at the Campfield. We used Gendai Amber siding for the exterior walls of the Campstore and Ofuro Spa and Gendai Black for the exterior walls of the Gatehouse and Wash House. The Gendai product is finished with a light brushing process which smooths heavy soot layer for a silky finish. The interior of the Wash House features sugi-unoiled, a natural Japanese cypress. The tree is indigenous to Japan and offers ample durability and a beautiful grain.
Lastly, we were proud to use Nakamoto Forestry’s hinoki cypress in the sauna at the Ofuro Spa. Hinoki is a native tree species of Japan and has a lengthy history and deep cultural relevance. It was often used for Shinto rituals and temple construction and is renowned for its durability, with ancient structures dating back to 600 AD still standing to this day. The beautiful tight grain is the result of slow growth and patient, sustainable farming practices. Due to its natural resistance to rot, fungi and insects, hinoki is often used for bathtubs. The wood's fragrant aroma comes from compounds called alpha-terpineol and limonene. Campfield guests and anyone who has enjoyed the Ofuro's sauna can attest to its relaxing aromatic properties!
As we continue to welcome campers to the Long Beach Campfield, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the elegant design and thoughtful finishes of all the spaces throughout the site.
Reservations are available for the remainder of 2024. Book your stay soon!
