Photos: Adam Potts

Tucked into the wooded hills of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Fernwood House is rooted in its environment—both physically and conceptually. Designed by Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects, the home draws on the simple geometry of traditional farmhouses, with five gabled volumes merging into a unified modern shell. A beautifully composed, quietly confident residence is the result. Rather, the home is not showy or ornamental, but grounded, balanced, and deeply connected to its setting. The architecture avoids unnecessary moves, allowing material, proportion, and light to define the experience. That simplicity is part of its success. As is the choice in material: Western Red Cedar.

For an award-winning studio, well-versed in designing to fit the landscape, choosing Real Cedar was a natural decision. They appreciate cedar’s regional relevance and durability. Likewise, they value its versatility. Cedar is pitch and resin free,  it accepts finish evenly and express a range of tones and textures across different applications. Ultimately, it offered a natural way to bridge building and site.

“Every project is designed with connection to the natural environment in mind,” says architect Jake Weber. “The use of Western Red Cedar siding was meant to blend the house into its forested environment, with a dark gray stain color reminiscent of the tree trunks that surround the site. Clear stained soffits add warmth to the modern design and serve as a reminder of the warm beauty of wood.”

Creating texture and warmth

Throughout the exterior, the cedar material and finish palette wraps both the house and the detached garage, then continues into the landscape. In addition, bold, beautiful Western Red Cedar fencing frames the property. The team left the cedar unfinished so it could weather naturally and quietly complement surrounding woods. Moreover, the mix of stained and natural finishes creates contrast and cohesion across changing conditions and daylight exposures.

“The richness of stained Western Red Cedar siding makes this project,” Weber adds. “If the house were clad in any other material, it would not have the same effect as the Western Red Cedar. The organic variation in wood tones and the texture of the tongue and groove profile creates a unique look that can only be achieved by a natural siding.”

Real Cedar Specifications

GRADE – Siding: KD ‘A’ & Better (10-15%B), Soffits: KD A & Better, Pool fencing: clear, Perimeter fencing: knotty

SIZE – Siding: T&G, nickel gap resawn face exposure, Soffits – 1×4 T&G, smooth face fineline profile, Fencing: 1×8 boards

FASTENING Blind nailing

APPLIED FINISH – Siding: Semi-transparent stain, Soffits: Matte clear coat, Fencing: None

WESTERN CEDAR SUPPLIER Lakeside Lumber

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