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Request SamplesThe 2025 Northwest Idea House: A Mountain Retreat in Gig Harbor
Posted on: May 11, 2026
Regional Architecture and Transitional Design with Custom Cedar Siding
South Sound magazine recently partnered with award-winning builder Zetterberg Custom Homes to feature the 2025 Northwest Idea House in Gig Harbor, Washington. Built for a growing family, this five-bedroom residence was designed to evoke the warmth and relaxation of a mountain-vacation getaway while serving as a highly functional, year-round “forever home.”
To achieve this specific aesthetic, Montana Timber Products was exclusively listed on the homeowners’ design wishlist. By utilizing three distinct finishes (AquaFir™ Shale, ranchwood™ Yellowstone, and AquaFir™ Black) the design team successfully brought the homeowners’ design inspirations to life, creating a seamless blend of regional Northwest architecture and transitional design.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location
Gig Harbor, WA
Builder
Zetterberg Custom Homes
Home Designer
Greg Zetterberg
Interior Design
Amber Zetterberg
Staging
Sage Interiors
Magazine Partner
South Sound magazine
Photography
Chris Powell, Lighthouse Studio
PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS
Product Lines
AquaFir™ & ranchwood™
Colors
Shale, Yellowstone, Black
Species & Grade
Western Red Cedar (Select Tight Knot)
Texture
Wire-Brushed
A Three-Toned Custom Cedar Siding Package
To execute the varied architectural details of the home, three distinct color profiles were specified across both the interior and exterior. All materials feature a wire-brushed texture to enhance the Western Red Cedar wood grain.
The primary exterior utilizes AquaFir™ Shale applied vertically, accented by AquaFir™ Black on the exterior bump-outs. Inside the home, ranchwood™ Yellowstone warms up the expansive ceilings in the family and dining rooms, while the AquaFir™ Black is brought indoors to create a striking, moody fireplace and TV wall, as well as a black accent wall in the home’s gym.
AquaFir™ Black (Exterior Ceilings & Interior Features)
| Application | Dimensions | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Porch, Patio & Deck Ceilings | 1″ × 6″ | T & G |
| Fireplace, TV Wall & Gym | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
| Exterior Bump-outs | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
ranchwood™ Yellowstone (Interior Ceilings & Walls)
| Application | Dimensions | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Family, Entry & Dining Ceilings | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
| Master Bedroom Wall | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
| Underside of Stairs | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
AquaFir™ Shale (Exterior Siding & Accents)
| Application | Dimensions | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Siding | 1″ × 6″ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
| Corner Trim | 1″ × 4″ | Sq. Edge |
| Pool House & Front Entry | 1″ x 6″ x 10′ | Tex Gap – 1/8″ Rev |
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Blending Regional and Transitional Styles
Home designer Greg Zetterberg describes the home’s style as a mix of transitional design and regional Northwest architecture. To integrate the structure with its wooded landscape, the design utilizes large glass walls, low-pitched rooflines, and extensive natural wood applications. This regional approach is balanced by transitional elements, such as mixed materials, neutral palettes, and balanced facades, to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
The Encased Floating Staircase
One of the most striking interior architectural details is the floating staircase. Rather than leaving the underside exposed or finished with standard drywall, the staircase is completely encased in ranchwood™ Yellowstone. This continuous application perfectly matches the wood paneling on the ceiling above it, creating an uninterrupted flow of natural wood grain that seamlessly connects the different levels of the home.
Bold Contrasts at the Pool House
Moving to the back patio and pool house, the exterior design relies on bold, sophisticated contrasts. The vertical AquaFir™ Shale siding pairs beautifully with the dark AquaFir™ Black patio ceilings. Black metal window and trim details contrast with the lighter Shale but tie back to the darker ceiling wood tones, resulting in a cohesive, resort-like outdoor living space perfectly suited for year-round entertaining.
GALLERY
THE RESULT
A Collaborative Vision for the Making of This Grand Idea House
Building a prominent Idea House requires immense coordination. By working closely with the homeowners to refine their inspiration from mountain-resort properties, theZetterberg Custom Homes team successfully delivered a highly functional, long-lasting residence. With its strategic layout, luxury amenities curated by Sage Interiors, and extensive use of custom Montana Timber Products cedar, the 2025 Northwest Idea House stands as a prime example of high-end Pacific Northwest craftsmanship.
