A Masterclass in Modern Scandinavian Design and High-Contrast Timber Integration

Deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Luray, Virginia, sits a cabin that completely redefines mountain living. Remarkably, while this retreat feels worlds away, it sits just a short, scenic drive from the bustling Washington, D.C. metro area. The Shenandoah Escape presents a stunning vacation property where guests can easily escape the city to unplug, inhale the crisp mountain air, and connect with nature.

Significantly, the architecture of this modern Scandinavian-style chalet draws heavy inspiration from the traditional Norwegian hytte, the country’s iconic mountain cabin getaway built for quiet reflection and remote wilderness living. A simple, powerful philosophy guides the entire design: create a modern footprint that seamlessly doubles as a quiet retreat. Photographer Nick Bruce captured this vision beautifully in a series of breathtaking photographs, providing a definitive lesson in poetic site integration.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name
“The Shenandoah Escape” / Wild Azalea House

Location
Luray, Virginia

Builder
Cary Smith Builder LLC

Photography
Nick Bruce

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

The design palette relies on the intentional pairing of our textured Charwood™ Midnight with the crisp, smooth AquaFir™ White line to establish clean visual boundaries and striking architectural depth.

Species & Grade
Kiln Dried Douglas Fir | Knotty #2btr

Total Board Ft: 4,014 BF

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

The Visual Muffler: Melding into the Tree Line

Instead of a bright, traditionally painted structure that demands attention, the builders wrapped the main volume of the home in 1×8 Charwood™ Midnight vertical shiplap siding.

Consequently, by using charred black timber, the architecture essentially acts as a visual muffler. The matte-black facade absorbs harsh light and beautifully mimics the deep, natural shadows that the surrounding forest casts. Rather than shouting, the house elegantly recedes into the tree line, allowing the quiet of the forest to take center stage.

The Art of the Carve: A Study in Material Contrast

While the design team engineered the exterior envelope to blend into the shadows, the primary entryway reveals the true magic of this design. Specifically, to break up the massive, monolithic black volume, the builders utilized a striking “carve-out” technique to create a recessed porch.

Furthermore, this entryway serves as a warm, welcoming beacon, which a dramatic shift in both direction and color highlights:

• The Siding: The vertical, charred timber of the main house gives way to horizontal 1×8 AquaFir™ Shiplap siding in a Smooth White finish.
• The Soffits: Overhead, smooth 1×6 Tongue & Groove AquaFir™ Smooth White soffits line the porch ceiling.

Ultimately, this intentional juxtaposition of light and dark, vertical and horizontal, charred and smooth, creates an incredibly dynamic sensory experience. At night, the white timber acts as a natural reflector for the recessed lighting. This creates a warm, glowing “lantern effect” that safely guides guests inside, leaving a lasting impression on the home’s owners and visitors alike.

Builder’s Corner: High-Performance Rainscreen Engineering & Clean Trim Lines

A high-performance timber facade relies entirely on the quality of the building envelope beneath it. Therefore, during the early construction phases, Cary Smith Builder LLC engineered the cabin for maximum moisture protection. Specifically, they executed a textbook cross-batten rainscreen system over a high-performance weather barrier before installing any timber.

The Ultimate Rainscreen System

Because vertical shiplap requires a horizontal fastening surface, a traditional single layer of flat, horizontal wood furring strips can easily trap moisture and act as miniature dams. To combat this issue, the build utilized a high-performance, dual-layer system:

• The Vertical Path: First, the crew fastened vertical furring strips directly to the studs over the Tyvek DrainWrap. This crucial step preserved an unobstructed vertical drainage path down the wall assembly.
• The Cross-Ventilation: Next, they overlaid a perpendicular layer of horizontal furring strips. This action successfully created a cross-ventilated cavity that allows air to circulate and dry the siding evenly from behind, while providing rigid structural support for the vertical timber.

Integrated Trim Details

In addition, to maintain the cabin’s sharp geometric lines, the builder utilized a fully integrated trim package from Montana Timber Products. This intentional design choice beautifully carried the Charwood™ Midnight colorway across every structural junction:

• Clean Window Framing: Premium 1×4 Square Edge Charwood™ Midnight trim wraps the windows, ensuring the glazing integrates seamlessly into the dark siding.
• Frieze and Fascia Detailing: Robust 1×3 frieze boards alongside bold 1×10 (custom charred on both sides) and 1×6 Square Edge boards wrap the rooflines, effectively capping the structure with crisp, hard-edged borders.

THE RESULT

A Modern Mountain Hytte Built for Timeless Endurance

The Shenandoah Escape successfully demonstrates that modern, off-grid design does not have to feel cold or out of place in a rugged landscape. By pairing high-contrast finishes with thoughtful site integration, authentic Scandinavian hytte principles, and a high-performance prefinished timber envelope, the project team created a mountain retreat that will stand the test of time while beautifully honoring its natural woodland home.

At Montana Timber Products, we work alongside architects, builders, and homeowners to craft custom, prefinished timber packages that elevate residential design. Contact your regional sales representative today to request a sample or get a quote for your next build..

GALLERY

How Multi-Product Wood Integration Elevates a Vital Public Space

While premium natural timber is frequently specified for legacy luxury estates, its impact on commercial, community-focused architecture is profoundly transformative. A prime example is the extensive remodel of the YMCA (The Y) in Missoula, Montana. Working in partnership with Paradigm Architects and  Quality Construction Company, Montana Timber Products delivered a highly customized wood package. The materials introduce biophilic warmth, long-term durability, and strict safety compliance to this bustling community hub.

Spanning three distinct product lines across both exterior and interior applications, this build showcases strategic material selection. The design successfully elevates public infrastructure into an inspiring, welcoming environment.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Missoula, MT

Project Type: Commercial / Community Center Remodel

Architect: Paradigm Architects

Contractor: Quality Construction Company

Photography: Chuck Collier Schmidt 

Total Volume: 13,908 Board Feet

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

The architecture required a diverse palette to define different functional zones within the facility. The design utilizes premium Select Tight Knot Cedar across three specialized product lines, configured in both wire-brushed and smooth profiles.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Counteracting Commercial “Coldness” at Both Entrances

Large commercial entrances often rely heavily on structural steel, expansive aluminum window mullions, and concrete. While these elements provide necessary durability, they can easily make a public building feel clinical.

To mitigate this, the design team created a seamless interior-to-exterior material transition at the main entrance. They wrapped the exterior soffits in smooth AquaFir™ Brown Tongue & Groove cedar. This identical material and profile carries directly through the glazing line into the interior lobby ceilings. This architecture establishes an immediate, continuous flow. The natural timber strips away the coldness of the industrial framing, ensuring the facility greets members with immediate warmth.

Calm in the Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Nursery

Interior design choices play a direct role in stress regulation within high-energy child care environments. Creating a peaceful, grounded space for early learners was a top priority for the newly improved Phyllis Washington Early Child Care wing at The Y.

The design team executed this by specifying smooth AquaFir™ Brown T&G cedar directly overhead on the nursery’s high ceilings. This natural timber ceiling provides a stabilizing acoustic and visual element. It perfectly balances the bright, vibrant energy of the custom wall mural below, created by local artist April Werle in partnership with Soft Landing Missoula. Bathed in natural light from large windows looking out to the playground, the smooth wood grain anchors the room. It brings an organic sense of security and calm to the nursery.

Exterior Safety: Soffits with FX LumberGuard XT Fire Protection

Implementing natural wood into commercial rooflines and exterior overhangs requires careful adherence to building codes. For the exterior soffits at The Y, the design required an advanced level of safety compliance.

Montana Timber Products met this need by applying FX LumberGuard XT fire protection directly to the smooth AquaFir™ Brown cedar soffits. This specialized fire-retardant coating was factory-applied in our controlled facility before shipping. This process ensures strict compliance with exterior commercial fire codes. It delivers critical flame-spread resistance without degrading or altering the rich, natural aesthetic of the wood.

Advanced Moisture Management

Western Montana experiences heavy seasonal snowpack and freezing temperatures. Because of this climate, long-term exterior wood protection was non-negotiable. All dimensional cedar siding, trim, and soffits were kiln-dried to a strict moisture content of 15% or less before profiling.

Furthermore, every board designated for exterior exposure was prefinished with low VOC, non-toxic Seal-Once Waterproofer. seals the wood entirely. It prevents the asymmetric moisture absorption that causes cupping, twisting, and premature finish degradation over time.

The Result: The Missoula YMCA remodel

The Missoula YMCA remodel stands as a definitive blueprint for modern commercial design. It demonstrates that public and community spaces do not have to sacrifice beauty for utility. Through the strategic integration of ranchwood™, Charwood™, and the fire-protected AquaFir™ cedar soffits, the project team successfully delivered a high-performance facility. The resulting space will perform assuredly under heavy public use for decades, serving as a warm center for the local community.

GALLERY

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)

ranchwood™ Yellowstone (Interior Ceilings & Walls)

AquaFir™ Shale (Exterior Siding & Accents)

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.

Minimalist Curb Appeal with AquaFir™ Hazelnut Cedar

As featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, this Corona del Mar custom home required strategic design and material selection. Navigating strict height restrictions while fulfilling the homeowner’s request for a highly functional layout, the design utilizes a minimal, single-story footprint. Built for an avid surfer, interior designer Raili Clasen noted the material choices were highly intentional:

“If my client bumps his surfboard into the walls here, it will only make them look better.”

By specifying Montana Timber Products’ AquaFir™ Cedar siding in Hazelnut and running it continuously from the exterior facade to the interior walls, the project maximizes spatial perception, seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments for this coastal retreat.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Corona del Mar, CA

Architect
Eric Olsen Design

Interior Design
Raili CA Design

Builder
Devco Homes

Landscape
Garden Studio Design

Photographer
Karyn Millet

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

Product Line
AquaFir™

Color
Hazelnut

Species & Grade
STK Cedar

The Material Palette: Blurring the Lines

To maximize the footprint of the home and create a powerful indoor-outdoor experience, the design team utilized the exact same Smooth AquaFir™ Hazelnut Cedar on both the outside of the home and the interior walls.

Exterior

Interior

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Overcoming Height Restrictions – Vertical Cedar Siding Envelope

Strict building parameters designed to protect surrounding view corridors required the structure to maintain a low profile. To counter the compressed feeling of a single-story horizontal layout, the architect applied the 1×4 Cedar shiplap vertically. These vertical lines draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and establishing a strong architectural presence.

Maximizing Square Footage with Indoor to Outdoor Living

Lot size constraints demand creative spatial planning. The architect placed a central courtyard within the floorplan, utilizing pocketing glass doors to open the main living areas to the exterior. Installing the exact same AquaFir™ Hazelnut Cedar on both the exterior facade and interior walls visually erases the barrier between the rooms and the courtyard, dramatically expanding the perceived footprint.

The Warmth of Hazelnut

Minimalist exteriors risk feeling sterile, especially when utilizing pale limestone and smooth concrete. To ground the home and ensure inviting curb appeal, the design relies on the organic warmth of our AquaFir™ Hazelnut finish. The rich, deep brown Cedar softens the strong architectural lines, creating a sophisticated and welcoming entrance.

The Art of Concealment: The Hidden Garage Door

As noted in Luxe Interiors + Design, the client required a garage large enough for an adventure van. Because a standard oversized door would disrupt the contemporary facade, the builder integrated a concealed garage door. Running the vertical Cedar siding flush across the front elevation and directly over the mechanics conceals the functional storage space behind a seamless wood exterior.

Specifying Prefinished Wood for Pacific Coastal Environments

Coastal construction demands exterior materials capable of withstanding moisture and salt air. All materials for this project arrived at the job site kiln-dried and completely prefinished. Coated with our ultra-low VOC, water based stain Seal-Once, the Cedar siding provided immediate climate protection and eliminated the need for on-site finishing. The smooth texture and Hazelnut finish provide a durable, masculine aesthetic that complements the steel windows and limestone hardscaping, creating a resort-like ambiance.

THE RESULT

Executing a specialized build requires precise alignment between the architect, interior designer, and contractor. The successful installation of continuous material transitions and hidden exterior elements demonstrates a highly effective partnership between Eric Olsen Design, Raili CA Design, and Devco Homes. The result is a highly functional, climate-ready residence proudly featured on the 2024 CDM Home Tour.

GALLERY

Lowcountry Architecture Done Right with Aquafir™ Driftwood

When designing a home in the stunning coastal setting of Bluffton, South Carolina, aesthetics are only half the equation. The humid climate and the ever-present risk of tropical storms and hurricanes mean that exterior materials must be as resilient as they are beautiful.

For this incredible Palmetto Bluff project, the design called for a siding solution that could withstand the demands of the coastal environment while perfectly complementing the natural, Southern landscape, tucked away in a grove of Southern Yellow Pines. By selecting our Aquafir™ finish, in the color Driftwood, this home achieves a flawless balance of it’s “Lowcountry” elegance and long-lasting durability of our finely crafted pre-finished Cedar elegance.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Bluffton, SC

Customer
Palmetto Bluffs Builders

Architect
Markalunas Architecture + Design

Photographer
Andrew Frazier at Voyage Creative

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

Product Line
Aquafir™ Driftwood

Species & Grade
STK Cedar

The Material Palette: Main House vs. Pool House

To bring this coastal retreat to life, the project utilized Western Red Cedar across a variety of exterior applications. The main residence exterior, interior beams, and the pool house all feature our Aquafir™ Driftwood finish, creating a beautifully unified color palette across the entire property.

Main House

Pool House

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Natural Wood Siding Designed for the Elements

Building in a hurricane-prone zone like Bluffton requires careful consideration of exterior materials. Natural wood siding is an excellent natural sustainable choice to combat high-wind extreme environments. Our Seal-Once finish offers natural resistance to rot and decay in salty conditions. The installation allows for the siding to be both incredibly durable and easily replaceable should extreme weather strike.

Textural Play: Wire Brushed vs. Smooth

While the color remains perfectly consistent across the property, the builders utilized texture to give each structure its own distinct character. The main house features our Wire Brushed finish, which removes the softer summer wood to expose the raised grain. This gives the primary residence a deeply tactile, subtly weathered appearance. In contrast, the Pool House features a Smooth texture, offering a cleaner, more refined look for the recreational space that perfectly complements the main home.

The Chameleon Effect: Driftwood in Sun vs. Shade

One of the most captivating aspects of our Aquafir™ Driftwood finish is how it interacts with the sunlight. Depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun, the color profile of the wood beautifully shifts. In direct sunlight, the finish glows, bringing out warm, inviting cream tones. Conversely, when viewed in the shade, the wood takes on a cooler, sophisticated light silver tone, perfectly mimicking actual weathered driftwood found along the South Carolina shoreline.

Architectural Beam Wraps

A standout architectural feature of this Palmetto Bluff home is the integration of massive 16-foot beam wraps. Utilizing 2″ x 12″ Cedar finished in the same Aquafir™ Driftwood, these wraps bring a sense of structural grandeur and organic warmth to the exterior living spaces, tying the entire whitewashed coastal driftwood aesthetic together.

THE RESULT

A Resilient Coastal Retreat

This Palmetto Bluff home is a testament to the idea that you do not have to sacrifice beauty for durability when building on the coast. By utilizing the natural strengths of Cedar paired with the dynamic, light-shifting tones of our Aquafir™ Driftwood finish, this project stands as a stunning example of Lowcountry architecture done right.

GALLERY

Restain Commercial Project Case Study
Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana USA

This commercial project highlight focuses on the commercial wood siding maintenance and stain reapplication at the Columbian Park Zoo penguin exhibit in Lafayette, Indiana. Installed in 2019, the project features Montana Timber Products siding that has been exposed to the elements for seven years.

We recently reviewed the results of a stain reapplication to demonstrate how the finish performs over time and to outline the specific protocols for maintaining commercial wood siding in sensitive environments.

Safe for the Penguins ? (and Future Primate Exhibit)

When working in sensitive environments like a zoo, safety is our top priority. We are pleased to note that the Columbian Park Zoo is currently expanding to include a new primate exhibit (details to come), utilizing Montana Timber Products materials to ensure a consistent and safe aesthetic throughout the park.

As standard with all our products, these exhibits are protected by SEAL ONCE, a high-performance water-based stain and sealant. Unlike traditional oil-based or acrylic stains, this non-toxic wood finish does not create a film and does not flake. This is a critical distinction for animal safety, as flaking paint or stain can pose ingestion hazards. The ultra-low VOC formula ensures a safe environment for the penguins currently inhabiting the space and the primates arriving soon.

The Role of Installation

The siding used, 1×8″ Cedar Shiplap, Aquafir™ Charcoal with a Wire Brush texture. The wood has performed exceptionally well over the last seven years.

As noted in our technical documentation, water will find any spot left unsealed. The longevity of this exhibit suggests the original installers followed the critical “End Cut” protocol sealing every cut edge during installation to prevent the wood from absorbing water like a sponge.

The Reapplication Strategy: Touch-Up vs. Full Coat

The Columbian Park Zoo engaged a professional contractor for this maintenance. It is important to distinguish between a touch-up and a full reapplication, as the techniques yield different visual results.

1. General Best Practices (Touch-Ups) For minor repairs or touch-ups, our internal guidelines emphasize “finesse.” Because the stain is water-based and tints sink to the bottom, the can must be stirred frequently. When touching up a scratch or nail hole, we advise blending the stain lightly to avoid creating a dark, saturated spot that stands out against the weathered wood.

2. The Strategy for This Exhibit (Full Recoat) For this project, the goal was not to blend, but to revitalize the aesthetic with high contrast against the exhibit’s driftwood log enclosure.

• The Approach: The contractor applied the Aquafir™ Charcoal stain without dilution.
• The Result: Because textured surfaces (like Wire Brush) may absorb the color pigment more, and the stain was applied at full strength, the result is darker and more saturated than the original installation.

While standard maintenance often involves diluting stain to match a weathered patina, this project utilized the reapplication to intentionally deepen the Charcoal tone, providing a bold, fresh look.

The 7-Year Reveal: Revitalizing Weathered Cedar Siding

After seven years, the Cedar siding was ready for a refresh. Since SEAL ONCE penetrates the wood rather than forming a surface film, the reapplication process was straightforward—no stripping or sanding was required.

The Cedar remains structurally sound, and the fresh coat has successfully updated the visual profile of the exhibit while continuing to protect the substrate.

Before & After Gallery
Columbian Park Zoo

Before AquaFir™ Charcoal

Updated AquaFir™ restain

AquaFir™ Charcoal, 7 year patina exposed high pedestrian traffic

Commercial Walkway using AquaFir™ Siding

7 year Patina on AquaFir™

saturated reStain on AquaFir™

AquaFir™ Charcoal, 7 year Patina on WRC

Zoo pedestrian traffic Penguin Exhibit

Will update with sun orientation details once confirmed. Reach out to your local rep for any technical maintenance questions with Montana Timber Products. Contact Us

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

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.

Featuring Thermally Modified Hemlock Siding & CVG Cedar Interior

This renovated Bellevue, Washington home proves that even a 1960s split-level can be reborn. Originally described by RRA Architecture as “dark, disjointed, and inefficient,” the home was completely reimagined by the architects and RW Anderson Construction. The project features Montana Timber Products’ ranchwood™ Artisan and AquaFir™ lines, which were key in the remodel to creating a bright, open, and inviting space.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Bellevue, Washington
Design: RRA Architecture
Build: RW Anderson Construction
Photographer: Kirk Hostetter

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Wood Balances Out Cool-Tone Modern Materials

The architect’s goal for the exterior was a “subtle, ‘low-contrast’ palette that allows the home to blend with its lush, wooded setting.” The neutral tone of the ranchwood Artisan Ash siding achieves this vision perfectly. The hemlock and cedar provide a natural counterpoint to other modern materials used on the exterior, like formed concrete and rusted metal accents, creating a sophisticated and balanced facade.

1×6 Tex-Gap Thermally Modified Hemlock Siding

The horizontal orientation of the 1×6 Tex-Gap siding dramatically emphasizes the home’s new, modern proportions, giving it a clean and contemporary profile. But the material is far from flat; the RW Artisan’s raked texture on the thermal hemlock catches the Pacific Northwest light beautifully throughout the day. This subtle variation adds a layer of quiet depth and visual interest that animates the entire exterior.

Exterior Gallery

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor CVG Cedar

A key feature of this renovation is the cohesive flow between the interior and exterior spaces. The design achieves this by using the same CVG Cedar with an AquaFir Clear Coat for both the interior ceilings and the expansive outdoor patio enclosure. This continuous use of material blurs the lines between inside and out, creating a seamless transition and a unified material experience that highlights the natural beauty of the cedar paneling.

Brightened Interior – Wood Paneled Ceilings Frame Skylights

Inside, the home is flooded with beautiful natural light from generous, strategically placed skylights. The design uses the CVG Cedar paneling to frame these skylights, a choice that pays off dramatically. The incoming light activates the wood, pulling out the rich, warm tones and natural depth of the cedar and enhancing the feeling of being connected to the outdoors.

INTERIOR GALLERY

THE RESULT

A Beautiful Material Update to Split-Level

The use of ranchwood Artisan Ash siding and AquaFir clear coat interior ceiling was essential in transforming this split-level with lasting performance. The Thermal Hemlock siding and Cedar soffit showcase natural wood tones that not only age gracefully but also fulfill the design vision of a home connected to its wooded environment, both inside and out.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful use of prefinished wood can elevate everyday architecture through quality materials, refined texture, and precise detailing.

Contact Us to Learn more about our ranchwood Artisan and AquaFir Product Lines

Ebony Charwood™ & Owyhee AquaFir™ Accents

This modern Boise, Idaho home features the perfect balance of natural warmth and contemporary design. Using Montana Timber Products’ prefinished Charwood Ebony siding and AquaFir Owyhee patio ceiling, the design team at Elevated Construction & Design achieved a refined exterior that pairs beautifully with white stone and smooth stucco.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Boise, Idaho
Design + Build: Elevated Construction & Design

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

• Modern Contrast: The deep Ebony Charwood siding defines the home’s clean lines, contrasting beautifully with the light stone and stucco.
• Warm Accents: Owyhee AquaFir adds natural texture and warmth overhead in the covered patio areas.
• Strategic Placement: Wood elements accentuate key architectural features—entryways, patio ceilings, and focal walls—adding depth without overpowering the design.
• Precision Installation: All siding was installed to specification using stainless steel fasteners in perfect, neat alignment — ensuring secure attachment, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance.

Gallery

A Malibu Valley Estates Retreat

Nestled within the exclusive gates of Malibu Valley Estates in Calabasas, ‘The Ranch’ is a modern, new-construction home that offers a sophisticated interpretation of California countryside living. Designed by one of Southern California’s most exacting builders, the estate seamlessly blends timeless materials with effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Montana Timber Products is proud to feature this project, which pairs our AquaFir™ Owyhee wood finish with advanced FX LumberGuard XT fire protection. A combination of beauty, durability, and safety was essential to the homeowner’s vision for a retreat in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains.

‘The Ranch’ Featured Video

Responding to a Fiery Landscape: Peace of Mind with FX LumberGuard XT

In the fire-prone landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains, prioritizing safety is just as crucial as design. Montana Timber Products offers a variety of fire protection treatments, FX LumberGuard XT was the choice for this project. This advanced fire retardant is a non-toxic, eco-friendly treatment that penetrates into the wood fibers, significantly reducing the flammability of the Douglas Fir siding and gates. By integrating this powerful protection, the design team ensured that The Ranch is not only beautiful but also protected, offering the homeowners a profound sense of security and peace of mind in their high-risk fire environment.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Calabasas, California

Developer | Builder
Malibu Valley Partners

Architect
Bassenian Lagoni Architects

Interior Design
BLK Designs – Bree Klipfel

PRODUCTS + APPLICATIONS

SPECIES + GRADE

Kiln-Dried Douglas Fir | #2&Btr

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

A Unified Design with Performance in Mind

THE RESULT

A Modern Ranch Masterpiece

‘The Ranch’ is a stunning example of what’s possible with the right natural materials. The exterior, featuring vertical AquaFir™ siding and custom milled gates, offers both a striking visual and advanced performance. This project proves that you can have a beautiful, durable wood exterior that is also built for fire defense.

Exterior Gallery

Interior Featuring Beam Wrap