Cut Out House

Alberta, Canada

Architect: Young Projects
Photographer: Ema Peter

Project Overview

The Cut Out House in Alberta, Canada, is a two-story retreat set within the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by lakes, vast forests, glacier peaks, open grasslands, and agricultural plains, the home is deeply connected to its natural landscape. Responding to the expansive terrain, the architectural form frames panoramic views while reinforcing a strong relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.

Exterior Material Selection

Versatile materials were used across multiple applications, including the butterfly roof and the home’s distinctive “cut-out” exterior facade, where consistent weathering performance was a key consideration.

NIGIRI was used as the primary vertical exterior cladding, including the main entry. The superior dimensional stability of the charred product supports the project’s unique architectural geometry and custom-designed elements.

Interior Continuity

Young Projects had specified RESAWN materials on previous projects, including Six Square House, and selected products whose performance supported the home’s expressive architectural form. WILLIWAW was used across the butterfly roof, maintaining the level of material consistency required throughout the project. Alaskan Yellow Cedar clads the interior ceiling and extends outward to the exterior soffits.

Specification & Project Support

Due to the project’s unique curving geometry, the teams discussed long-term durability expectations, dependable UV performance and low-maintenance requirements throughout the specification process. Custom architectural elements, including the curtain wall integration, battens, and screens, also required detailed coordination and installation guidance to support the project’s various applications.

Design Team

Young Projects is a widely published architecture and design firm based in New York City. Their work emphasizes modern design techniques with a commitment to sustainability and materiality.