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 – Higgins Lake House

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

IMG_3498-Final-

Photos: Jeff Garland Photography

Depending on your family dynamics, designing a home for your parents could be er… um…challenging. Thankfully, this was not the case for Jeff Jordan, who recently designed this family retreat for his folks, Dave and Karen Jordan. As clients go, Jordan says they were pretty easygoing. But they weren’t completely passive either – in particular, the Michigan couple had several requests regarding the site’s natural surroundings.

“The views to the lake and the evening sunsets were very important to them,” says Jordan. “Additionally, the trees that existed between the house and the neighboring houses were important, both as something to observe and as a privacy buffer.

Another requirement was that this cottage had to respect the scale and modesty of the neighboring cottages. Easier said than done, considering that Dave and Karen also wanted a spacious cabin that could accommodate 25 people comfortably. In fact, the finished product is a luxury cabin with over 5,000 square feet, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.

“From the outside, however, you never realize just how big it is,” says the innovative New Jersey-based architect. “We spent a lot of time reducing the bulk by burying half the program partially below grade, breaking the overall mass into four smaller masses with ‘courtyards’ in-between, and keeping the overall footprint narrow and deep.”

IMG_3479-Final-
In furtherance of enhancing the home’s relationship with its stunning environment, Jordan incorporated a wraparound deck on the same plane as the main living area.

“This allows for seamless living between the interior and exterior of the house,” explains Jordan. “We did the same with the cedar siding, extending it into the living room to blur the distinction between interior and exterior space.”

He chose western red cedar specifically because he wanted a building material that would, among other things, complement, not compete with, the property’s naturally beautiful habitation.

“The western red cedar’s appearance is harmonious with the trees on the site,” says Jordan, adding, “It also feels appropriate next to the multi-hued lake water.”

Get the full story behind more wooded wonders like and find out how Real Cedar can enhance your next project: www.realcedar.com