Exterior Cladding
- Product
- CUSTOM
- Species
- Western Red Cedar
- Finish
- Burnt on Face Only, Sealed all 4 Sides
- Notes
-
Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
Shiplap
Needham Residence
Needham, MA
Architect: AW Arch
Project Overview
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Needham, Massachusetts, Needham Residence is a contemporary home that balances warmth, simplicity, and a strong connection to its wooded surroundings. A restrained palette of wood, concrete, and expansive glazing allows the architecture to respond naturally to changing light while creating a calm, inviting retreat.
The home’s understated material composition reinforces its relationship with the surrounding landscape, offering a timeless design that feels both modern and rooted in nature.
Material Selection & Performance
The exterior is clad in more than 4,800 square feet of CUSTOM shou sugi ban Western Red Cedar, selected for its rich natural character, durability, and ability to complement the home’s contemporary architectural expression. The charred finish introduces depth and texture while creating a striking contrast with the concrete and glass elements.
Western Red Cedar has long been valued for its natural resistance to decay, lightweight nature, and dimensional stability, making it one of North America’s most enduring exterior wood species. Combined with the traditional shou sugi ban charring process, the material delivers a durable, low-maintenance façade that will continue to weather gracefully over time.
Project Team
AW-ARCH is a Cambridge, Massachusetts–based architecture firm specializing in innovative residential and commercial design. Through a thoughtful, collaborative approach, the firm creates architecture that strengthens the relationship between people, place, and the built environment while delivering timeless, context-driven design.
