In this week’s Cedar Book spotlight, we’re showing the stunning Expanse Residence by Scott Edwards Architecture

photos: Benjamin Benschneider

Set on the rugged western edge of Bend, Oregon, The Expanse Residence is a quietly dramatic response to its naturally dramatic surroundings—a high-desert site overlooking the Deschutes National Forest and the sweeping ridgeline of the Cascade Mountains. While the cross-sloping lot presented clear challenges, they were expertly resolved and elegantly executed by Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) —with cantilevered design and glass volumes that appear to float above the desert floor.

Commissioned as a year-round retreat for an active, multi-generational family, the two-story home needed to be minimalist in form and palette, keeping the focus on the surrounding landscape.

“Natural materials, clean lines, and organic tones contribute to a strong sense of place and a calm, comfortable home environment,” says Rick Berry, principal at SEA. “Western Red Cedar felt like the perfect selection to achieve this vision. Its color and texture is reflective of the colors and textures of the high-desert landscape of Central Oregon.”

Living at one with nature

In addition to its versatility and warmth, Western Red Cedar offered the durability the site demanded. Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, the material stands up to Bend’s harsh high-desert climate. The entire exterior is clad in clear cedar, including the slat screens, gates, and mechanical enclosures.

Inside, a minimalist material palette continues the design’s restrained approach. The first level features an open floor plan anchored by a 40-foot sliding door that dissolves the threshold between interior and exterior living. Throughout the home, Western Red Cedar plays an essential role in reinforcing that connection.

“The continuous cedar ceiling runs throughout the home to further blur the lines between the interior and exterior,” says Berry.

The use of cedar reflects a long-standing material preference for both SEA and the clients. “We designed their primary residence in Portland, which is also clad in cedar, so they were very familiar with the material” Berry recalls. “They asked great questions about the differences in the material performance between the wet valley climate versus the high-desert sun.”

Through consultation, they came to appreciate how Real Cedar’s durability made it an easy choice—performing equally well in both environments.

Real Cedar Specifications

GRADE – Interior: CVG, Siding: ‘C’ and Better Clear

SIZE – Interior: 1×6 paneling and trim, Siding: Random width channel siding Decking: 2×4

FASTENING Stainless steel

APPLIED FINISH -Siding: Weatherwood reactive pre-weathering stain, Interior: Natural finish, Decking: Cutek clear oil finish

WESTERN CEDAR SUPPLIER Issaquah Lumber

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Download the digital edition or order a free hard copy of Cedar Book XVIII to explore the latest in contemporary wood design.