why cedar

Back

why use western red cedar?
characteristics & properties of western red cedar
benefits of real cedar
real cedar history
real cedar certification
sustainability & the environment
biophilia
forestry facts
why use yellow cedar?
products

Back

siding

Back

introduction
siding home
siding gallery
design & spec
siding grades
siding calculator
prep & install
preparation
pre-building
tyvek drainwrap
general installation
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
siding profiles & trim
bevel
trim boards
board & batten
shingle panels
tongue & groove
lap or channel
decking

Back

introduction
decking home
decking gallery
design & spec
decking grades
decking span charts
span tables
decking calculator
prep & install
fasteners
stairs & railings
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
deck projects
roof deck
ground level deck
raised deck
uphill sloping lot deck
outdoor

Back

introduction
outdoor home
outdoor gallery
design & spec
diy plans
pre-built kits
design tips
span tables
prep & install
preparation
fasteners
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
fences
fence construction
fence specifications
pre-built fence panels
indoor

Back

introduction
indoor home
indoor gallery
design & spec
design tips
prep & install
preparation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
indoor projects
saunas
doors & windows
tongue & groove paneling
blinds & shutters
timbers

Back

introduction
timbers home
timbers gallery
design & spec
grades & specs
span tables
prep & install
preparation
installation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
diy projects
membership

Back

our members

Back

executive members
retailers
partners
tertiary manufacturers
certified cedar distributors
certified cedar distributors - usa
certified cedar distributor - canada
architects
international associates
why become a member?
membership levels
membership benefits
membership faq
cedar school registration
join the wrcla!
member support
resources

Back

gallery
videos
blog
documents
*new* yellow cedar
gallery
about us
architects & builders
member login

USA & Canada

Project of the Week – Shotwell Residence

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

1-Shotwell-Mark-Luthringer10-2

Architect: Todd Davis Architecture
Location: San Francisco, CA
Photo: Mark Luthringer & Mike Chino

From weapons dump to funk metal jam space, there’s certainly no shortage of history behind this garage door. Among its many reinventions, during World War II, the San Fran property served as a munitions depot and then (according to ’80s folklore), Faith No More used it as band headquarters. But today, the Shotwell Residence is an industrial chic, urban oasis for a growing family. Of course, this latest transformation didn’t happen over night. As architect Todd Davis explains, the property was in pretty rough shape.

“Foreclosed in 2011, it endured much vandalism and a habitual squatter,” says Davis. “As a residence, it appears that no prior renovations were to code – water, electricity, and network was run overhead in one-inch pipes between the three structures.”

3-Shotwell-Mike-Chino-2-1

At the heart of the revived property is a secluded courtyard, which was created by cutting one of the concrete structures in half. This ultra hip patio “shell” – complete with an artisan tree root chandelier – is not your average outdoor structure (more like a beautiful “modern ruin”).

To balance out the brutalism of this open-air studio and tie it in with the newly remodeled rear residence as well as garage, Davis wanted to incorporate the warmth of a natural building material. He opted for Western Red Cedar.

12-Shotwell-Mark-Luthringer-5

“Cedar was chosen as the common material linking the exterior surfaces, wrapping the new façade surrounding the cleaned and sealed concrete garage walls,” he says. “Cedar continues down the walkway to surround the yard and cover the new canopy overhanging the main residence.

8-2-2

“Inset within the original corrugated metal siding,” he continues, “a cedar section highlights the main entrance and the master bedroom’s French doors. Finally, in the living room, the fireplace column is also wrapped in cedar.”

4-Shotwell-Mark-Luthringer-2-1

For this project, he didn’t bother treating the wood. Instead, he let the cedar weather naturally. This means overtime it will turn into a beautiful silvery grey patina – the perfect complement to all the concrete and corrugated aluminum siding. He also chose a knotty grade of cedar.

“While the faded grey cedar is going to blend with the other grey materials,” he says, “I still want it to have texture and its own voice.”

14-Shotwell-Mark-Luthringer-9-1

WRC Specifications
Grade: STK
Size: 1×8
Fastening: Brad nail/air hammer
Applied Finish: None