Coastal Living: Whitewashed Cedar, Interior Board and Batten
Posted on: December 8, 2025
High-ceiling San Juan Island retreat In AquaFir™ White
This San Juan Island retreat perfectly blends modern architecture with natural textures and a serene coastal palette. Built by Wygal Builders and designed by Studio AM, with interiors by Massucco Warner Interior Design, the home captures a refined simplicity that complements its island surroundings.
“Its striking whitewashed wood interior brightens the natural surroundings outside, while the ceiling beams, stained to mimic driftwood, evoke coastal tranquility.” ~ Studio AM
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: San Juan Island, Washington
Architecture: Studio AM
Builder: Wygal Builders
Interiors: Massucco Warner Interior Design
Photographer: Karyn Millet
PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS
Product Line: AquaFir™
Color: White
Texture: Smooth
Species/ Type: STK Cedar
| Application | Dimensions & Profile |
|---|---|
| Siding | 1″ × 6″, T&G |
| Battens | 2″ × 4″, Square Edge |
| Column Wraps | 1″ × 12″, Square Edge |
| Beam Wraps | 1″ × 10″ and 1″ × 8″, Square Edge |
| Window / Door Trim | 1″ × 6″, Square Edge |
All material supplied in Random Lengths (8′–20′)
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Refined Palette: The “Whitewash” Look found in our AquaFir™ White
AquaFir in White provides a soft, coastal tone that bridges the gap between rustic and modern. Unlike a heavy, opaque paint that masks the wood entirely, this finish offers a sophisticated, semi-transparent whitewashed appearance. It allows the subtle grain patterns and natural character of the Smooth Cedar to breathe through the color, adding depth and organic warmth to the high ceilings without overwhelming the space.
Unified Detailing: A Unique Board & Batten Install
The design utilizes a unique Board & Batten application where the “random length” siding presents as continuous, unbroken lines. Rather than exposing butt-joints where two boards meet, the installation team strategically hid every end-piece seam underneath a batten. This clever detailing creates the illusion of single, massive boards spanning the walls of the structure, maintaining a clean vertical rhythm that draws the eye upward to the matched ceiling which further compliments the openness of the the high ceilings.
Precision Craftsmanship: All Cedar components were installed with stainless fasteners to ensure clean alignment and long-term performance in the island climate. The Smooth Cedar texture brings subtle warmth and organic variation to the crisp architectural lines.
Eco-Friendly Durability: Beauty meets performance in the Pacific Northwest marine environment.
The siding is prefinished with Ultra low-VOC, non-toxic Seal-Once Waterproofer. This penetrates the wood to provide superior protection against moisture intrusion and UV exposure while maintaining the crisp white finish and peace of mind indoor air quality during all the fun & games.
Gallery
THE RESULT
The San Juan Island home demonstrates how AquaFir™ White enhances clean, modern lines with a natural, coastal sensibility. The STK Cedar components add warmth and texture while the high open ceilings brighten up the Pacific Northwest experience even on a cloudy day.
This collaboration between Studio AM, Massucco Warner Interior Design, and Wygal Builders showcases the versatility of Montana Timber Products’ prefinished wood—combining visual consistency, environmental performance, and craftsmanship for a home that is both contemporary and timeless.
Explore the AquaFir Collection to see how prefinished natural wood can elevate coastal and modern architectural design.

































































































