Project Details

Location
Malaga, WA

Project Type
Private Residence

Applications + Products

• Horizontal Siding: 1″x8″ AquaFir™ Shiplap in Cascade color, wire-brushed texture
• Soffits: 1″x6″ AquaFir™ T&G in Driftwood color, smooth texture
• Interior Ceilings: 1″x6″ AquaFir™ T&G in Driftwood color, smooth texture
• Trim: 1″x4″ AquaFir™ Square Edge in Cascade and Driftwood colors, wire-brushed texture

Species + Grade

• Kiln Dried Douglas Fir | Knotty #2btr

THE VISION

Seamless Integration with Natural Elements

The architects envisioned a residence that would celebrate the breathtaking views of Malaga, Washington while providing a comfortable, modern indoor environment. Central to this vision was the careful planning of a built environment that would seamlessly blend in with the natural world around it, incorporating natural materials to foster a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

THE SOLUTION

A Range of Wood Finishes For This Tranquil Retreat

To bring this biophilic design vision to life, the design team skillfully matched the blonde natural wood aesthetic of the interior ceiling paneling to the cabinetry package. Then continued the look to the exterior soffits for a seamless monochromatic design integration.

The combination of selected colors paired perfectly with this home’s design vision and nature-inspired elements. The combination of horizontal siding, soffits, and trim pieces were all crafted out of Douglas Fir from the Pacific Northwest.

Design Considerations

• Material Integration: The AquaFir™ wood cladding was thoughtfully integrated with adjoining materials, creating a seamless transition between different natural elements of the home’s exterior and interior. This careful integration enhances the overall aesthetic and ensures a cohesive architectural design and visual appeal felt throughout the residence.
• Functional Biophilic Design: The wood cladding not only serves as a protective exterior layer but also contributes to the biophilic design of the home. By incorporating natural building materials, textures, and colors, the design creates a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting well-being and a soothing atmosphere.
• Interior-Exterior Flow: The use of AquaFir™ in exterior siding and interior elements helps blur the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a fluid living experience enriched by natural light. This seamless transition encourages residents to engage more fully with their surroundings and enjoy the benefits of indoor-outdoor living.
• Strategic Wood Placement: The architectural design carefully considered the placement of wood elements to maximize their visual and functional impact. From the horizontal siding to the soffits and trim, each application of AquaFir™ was thought out to enhance the home’s architectural features and create a harmonious overall biophilic design.

This stunning residence showcases the versatility of Montana Timber Products’ AquaFir™ line, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection and application can create a visually striking home deeply connected to its surrounding natural environment.

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Project Gallery

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Wood brings unmatched natural beauty and versatility to homes, commercial buildings, and outdoor spaces. However, its inherent flammability makes fire protection a priority for property owners and builders. A common and critical question is: ‘Is pressure treated wood fire resistant?’ It’s vital to understand that while standard pressure-treated wood offers resistance to rot and insects, it is not inherently fire-retardant and remains combustible. Understanding the latest fire-retardant wood treatments and certification options is crucial for both safety and code compliance. This article will discuss the differences between these two treatments, their benefits, and their compliance with Class A Fire Rating and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.

Benefits of Utilizing a Fire Treatment

1. Enhanced safety: Reduces flame spread and smoke development.
2. Code compliance: Meets requirements for Class A Fire Rating and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards.
3. Durability: Treatments improve wood’s resistance to fire and weathering.
4. Aesthetics: Maintains the organic look and feel of genuine wood.

What Are The Fire Rating Classifications?

The following is a basic overview of the fire rating classifications. The index values measure how fast and how far flame will spread over a certain material. Selecting the right fire-retardant product depends on fire rating requirements and local building codes. The ASTM E-84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics) is commonly used to certify building products.

Class A (or Class 1) Fire Rating

The best fire resistance with the slowest flame spread index between 0-25.

Class B (or Class 2) Fire Rating

Moderate fire resistance with the flame spread index between 26-75.

Class C (or Class 3) Fire Rating

Meets minimum standard with the flame spread index between 76-200.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Compliance

In wildfire-prone regions, meeting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards is crucial. As defined by the U.S. Fire Administration, the WUI is:

“The zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.”

To achieve both a Class A rating and WUI compliance, materials must be ignition resistant, capable of resisting ignition from flying embers or radiant heat during a wildfire.

Pressure-Treated Fire Retardant (FRTW)

Unlike standard pressure-treated wood that protects against decay, pressure-treated fire retardant involves placing the wood in a high-pressure vessel where specific fire-retardant chemicals are forced deep into the wood fibers.. This deep-penetration method results in excellent, long-lasting protection against fire, rot, and insects.

Advantages:

• Achieves and maintains Class A fire rating
• Often required for WUI compliance
• Durable and well-suited for demanding climates and high-risk zones

Considerations:

• Typically more expensive than other methods
• May slightly alter wood color, making it a shade or two darker

Is “Pressure-Treated” the Same as Fire-Treated?

Note, the use of pressure is a part of this fire retardant application process; but, “pressure-treating” wood doesn’t necessarily make it a non-combustible material. For instance, the “pressure-treated” wood at your local lumber yard might have a higher resistance to rot and decay; but, it doesn’t mean it was additionally treated for fire resistance.

Topical Fire Treatment

A fire-retardant coating is applied to the surface, typically sprayed to the wood after milling but before finishing and installation. This surface barrier slows ignition and flame spread.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective solution for projects requiring only Class A certification
• Minimal visual impact—any color change is usually subtle, depending on stain and wood species
• Can be applied in-house, possibly shortening lead times

Considerations:

• Not always suitable for WUI compliance; check with local authorities
• May require reapplication if finish is sanded or removed

Will Fire Treatments Affect The Look Of Wood Siding?

Pressure treatment and spray-applied methods may both result in slight color changes. Pressure-treated wood is often a shade darker, while topical treatments can create very subtle shifts, especially with lighter stains. Always request finished samples for final approval and visual consistency.

Which Fire Retardant Solution is Best For You?

Your optimal fire-retardant wood treatment depends on:

1. Project location: WUI requirements vs. standard Class A compliance
2. Budget: Pressure treatment is generally pricier than spray-applied
3. Aesthetic preferences: Review control samples to assess any finish variations
4. Timeline: Onsite spray treatments may offer shorter lead times

While eliminating wildfires is not possible, there are viable options, while still using a renewable product like natural wood to help protect your property. Home hardening, which includes implementing fire-resistant exteriors and defensible spaces around structures, is a great first plan of action.