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 – ECCO Hotel & Conference Centre

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

Architect: DISSING+WEITLING

Location: Tønder, Syddanmark, Denmark

Photography: Adam Mørk

Located near a marshy area by Denmark’s blustery North Sea, the environmental goal for this PlusEnergy project was to build a structure that produces more energy than it uses. The design goal, meanwhile, was to blend into the unique scenery and maximize the human/habitat experience for hotel guests throughout the year. DISSING+WEITLING architecture delivered on all fronts via sustainable innovation, attention to detail and choice in material.

“You are a part of a constant relationship to the landscape, and are a natural part of a larger context in the main rooms and then you have the same landscape to yourself when you are in your room,” explains Daniel V. Hayden, principal at DISSING+WEITLING. “The architecture is all about light, sound, craftsmanship and materials. Each gesture and each material has been carefully considered and developed to utilize and enhance the natural qualities of the various materials and this becomes part of your experience.”

With that in mind, they clad the entire circular volume in vertical strips of Western Red Cedar siding. “The narrow width of the pieces ensures that the circular form of the building is reinforced and not divided up into segments,” says Hayden. “The boards are left untreated so they will weather to a silver grey color, which will work beautifully with the surrounding grain fields.”

They also used cedar for the decking and moveable sunscreens of each room. In fact, cedar plays such a prominent role in the telling of this project’s story; it’s hard to imagine what it would have looked like with any other material. “It would have been very difficult to achieve the same results with one type of wood had it not been cedar,” says Hayden. “The versatility of the material, the beauty of the various finishes, and its natural longevity made it the optimal choice for the project.”

PERFECTING PROPORTION – The project is a super fine play on scales, from the overall scale of the building in the landscape to the small window seat in each room that provides a cozy place for each guest.

WRC Specifications

Grade: Clear heart vertical grain

Size: Varies

Fasteners: Stainless steel nails

Applied Finish: Interior – none; Window – natural oil; Exterior – none