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 – High Desert Residence

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

“The versatility of the cedar enhanced the project as even the exterior cladding was a very detailed finish.” – NIC SMITH, AIA

Location: Bend, Oregon, USA
Architect: Hacker

Photos: Jeremy Bitterman / Joel B Sanders Agency

On the edge of the Cascade mountain range is where you’ll find the High Desert Residence. It’s a distinctive region of the Pacific Northwest where the signs of recent geologic activity and formation can be found everywhere—in the pure forms of volcanic cinder cones to the enormous scorching lava flows and the still-sharp, jagged mountains.

Naturally, the goal was to ensure this stunning landscape could be experienced from each room in the home. The Hacker architect team achieved this with simple, shifting exterior walls and windows that are carefully aligned to create framed views of the desert flora and fauna, and the sprawling texture of distant hills.

western red cedar siding

SEAMLESS CONNECTION – In the main living room and kitchen, the cedar ceiling extends to the exterior, only lightly interrupted by full-height windows.

To honor this dramatic backdrop, they needed a durable and dynamic building material for the exterior. So, the Portland-based firm selected Western Red Cedar siding for its ability to stand up to the elements as well as its aesthetic qualities.

“It’s also a very workable wood fiber allowing for custom dimensions and reveals,” explains Hacker principal Corey Martin, who specified clear water-based finish. “The clients are designers themselves, and they truly appreciated the high level of finish detailing that was made possible by using cedar. The natural patina as the exterior cedar ages will further reflect the material as found in this high desert region.”

western red cedar siding interior and exterior

HIGH PERFORMANCE – Western Red Cedar was selected for its durability in an environment of extreme temperature swings as well as for its aesthetic qualities.

Inside, the clients wanted to furnish this home with their carefully curated collection of mid-century furniture, so Hacker composed a simple interior palette of white, black, and natural wood to act as a timeless backdrop for these pieces. They also wanted to blur the lines between site and structure.

“The same western red cedar used on the exterior siding is carried throughout the interiors, appearing continuous through the glass and giving the impression that there is no barrier at all between inside and outside spaces,” says the award-winning architect.

western red cedar siding

YEAR-ROUND COVER – The roof extends over a large exterior living space, providing cooling shade in the summer and snow protection in winter.

 

GRADE: KD ‘A’ & Better ceiling and KD ‘C’ & Better siding

SIZE: 1×4 & 1×6 T&G

FASTENING: Concealed fasteners

APPLIED FINISH: Ceiling: transparent stain, Siding: dark stain