Cedar Siding in Contemporary Design – Bridge House by Dan Brunn

A truly inspired project, the L.A abode makes an architectural impact by showcasing sustainable cedar siding in contemporary design.

“Knotty cedar has so much character, and it looks so raw, which really complements our clean modernist lines.” – Dan Brunn, AIA

Architect: Dan Brunn Architecture
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Photography: Brandon Shigeta
Manufacturer: West Bay Forest Products
Distributer: OrePac Building Products
Factory Finish: Woodtone

A House as a Literal Bridge

Dan Brunn could have just built his showcase home on the first flat portion of his lot, as all his neighbors had done. However, the award-winning architect wanted his L.A. home to be at one with nature with green building materials. So, he set about designing a house that is a literal bridge over a naturally occurring brook, hence the name Bridge House.

“Think of it as a dream tree house, but for adults,” says Brunn of his modern streamlined take on the traditional log cabin.

Of course, building a bridge with a 65’ long span was nowhere near simple. The project has five different foundation types, so there was a lot of logistics to coordinate. And since Brunn was building this as a legacy project for his firm, there was also a lot of design goals to be met.

“The idea with the project was to create a platform to share stories and products,” explains Brunn. “I wanted it show what the urban home could be. So, I hope this lives on as that. It is maybe the truest example of DBA today.”

Inside, the eco-minded home offers a truly unique experience with, among other design features, a beautiful living green wall and a long art gallery hallway. The exterior creates a dramatic impression as well with customized Select Knotty Western Red Cedar siding that was pigmented to a very light white.

“Typically, we work with concrete, stucco and glass,” says Brunn. “This site is so unique though. There are so many trees on the site that I wanted something that really melds with nature. The cedar façade accomplishes that integration.

“I actually don’t think this project could have been done without cedar,” Brunn continues. “The entire expression would have been something else altogether. It had to be the way it is.”

WRC Specifications – Find a Retailer Near You

Grade: KD Select Knotty with a resawn face
Size: 1×8 shiplap with a fineline edge detail
Fastening: Stainless steel
Applied Finish: Grey weathering stain