ARCHITECT: DeForest Architects
PHOTOS: Benjamin Benschneider/OTTO
LOCATION: Lake Wenatchee, Washington, USA

Mountainous surroundings. Lakeside views. Modern ingenuity. This gorgeous all-season Lake Wenatchee residence really does have it all. It even has a secret bookcase that opens up to a recreation room and bonus sleeping quarters!

“The owners asked for a retreat that was cozy for two and comfortable for a crowd,” says John DeForest, principal at DeForest Architects. “The natural wood finishes, heated floors, reading alcoves and loft give it a quintessentially cabin feel. At the same time, large expanses of glass and high ceilings open the house to light, views and the surrounding landscape.”

To connect the interior with the rich and varied beauty of the site, DeForest selected Western Red Cedar for the ceiling, wall paneling, exterior cladding and trim. The result is a `rustic modern’ home that makes the most of its setting with natural ease.

“We chose Western Red Cedar to complement the other materials in the palette and to stand up to mountain weather,” explains DeForest.

Suffice it to say that cedar’s durability and beautiful spectrum of varying tones did not disappoint.

“Cedar’s warmth and texture enhance the simplicity and clean lines of the design,” he says, adding, “and it helps make the house a natural fit for its surroundings.”

WRC SPECIFICATIONS
GRADE: A&Btr clear Western Red Cedar
SIZE: 1 x 4 tongue and groove
FASTENING: Blind nailed
APPLIED FINISH: Clear matte

Get the full story behind more wooded wonders like this in Cedar Book 8. Download a PDF or order your free hard copy today.