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USA & Canada
Project of the Week – High Desert Residence
“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.
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.”
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.
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