The Soda Rock Project – Healdsburg, CA

DETAILS

Architect: Sean Bailey from Zimmerman + Associates

Builder: Black Oak Builders

Photographer: Peter Lyons

Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM – Charred Accoya®
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix 70%
Burnt On Face Only, Sealed All 4 Sides
Solid +/- 3/4” Thick x +/- 5-1/4” Face + 1/8” Milled-In Reveal
Tongue and Groove

Perched atop a scenic vineyard in Sonoma County’s historic Alexander Valley, the Soda Rock Project embodies California Modernism. Lush vegetation, expansive outdoor spaces, and a natural wood facade create a sophisticated yet comfortable retreat, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The left wing of the house, clad in charred Accoya®—a specially treated wood known for its exceptional durability and resistance to the elements—overlooks an infinity pool that seems to melt into the sun-drenched vineyards beyond. The wood tones complement the lush greenery and mimic the textures of nearby grapevines and river streams.

The Soda Rock Project’s exterior features a CUSTOM charred Accoya® wood cladding, crafted using the ancient Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique by reSAWN TIMBER co. This process enhances the wood’s natural durability and creates a rich aesthetic, ensuring longevity for exterior applications. The charred layer over Accoya® wood offers exceptional weather resistance and dimensional stability, making it an ideal choice for this location.

Project Needs: Inspired by reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Shou Sugi Ban product line, the architect met with a specification consultant to delve deeper into our offerings. After reviewing several species and finish options, Accoya® emerged as the ideal choice to fulfill the architect’s vision for the project.

Project Solutions: Zimmerman Architects ordered a variety of samples and a 30 sq.ft. mock-up to review several Charred Accoya® products. Through careful observation and discussions with a local specification consultant, they selected a custom finish that best suited their desired aesthetics. Accoya’s warranty and natural durability were key factors in their decision.

Project Results: The meticulous selection of Accoya® wood brought the architect’s vision to life for the Soda Rock Project. By providing the client with comprehensive product information, they successfully achieved their design goals and delivered a project that exceeded expectations. We’re honored to continue this collaborative relationship and look forward to partnering with them on upcoming projects.

Zimmerman + Associates is a full-service architecture firm specializing in single-family homes, mixed-use developments, interior design, and urban planning in the Bay Area and Wine Country. Rooted in modernism, Z+A’s work focuses on blending indoor and outdoor spaces, connecting with the natural environment, and using carefully chosen materials and construction techniques.

Black Oak Builders is a Sonoma County-based construction firm specializing in new custom home builds, remodels, renovations, and additions. They bring many years of building experience to each project, driven by a deep admiration for the natural beauty of the area and their community.

Peter Lyons is an accomplished architectural and maritime photographer, passionate about capturing the essence of structures and vessels through his lens. With a career rooted in creativity and a love for visual storytelling, Peter considers himself fortunate to make a living doing what he truly loves.

The Atlantic Beach Project – Montauk, NY

DETAILS

Architect: Martin Architects 

Builder: 4MA Builders 

Photographer: Conor Harrigan

Exterior Cladding:
NIGIRI – Charred FSC®-Certified Accoya®
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Select Grade

Product Sizes (3)
Finished on Face Only, Sealed On Back & 2 Long Edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/8″ Wide x 6′-16′
Tongue & Groove

Finished On Face Only, Sealed On Back & 2 Long Edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/4″ Wide x 6′-16′
Surfaced 4 Sides (S4S)

Finished On All 4 Sides
Solid +/- 1-1/2″ Thick x +/- 3-1/2″ Wide x 12′-16′
S4S

Recognition:
AIA Long Island 2023 President’s Award

The Atlantic Beach Project is perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of Montauk’s beaches in New York. This vacation home embodies a modern aesthetic, with sleek and minimalist elements that harmonize with its natural surroundings. Designed by Martin Architects, the home features multiple levels and half-levels, creating a dynamic and flowing layout. Private patios on each level take advantage of the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The exterior showcases over 5,300 sq. ft. of charred Accoya®, adding dimension and character to the design. The charring process highlights the wood’s natural grain, creating a beautiful textural contrast against the smooth glass and rough concrete. Accoya’s exceptional durability, 50-year warranty, and resilience against harsh weather conditions make it ideal for this beachfront location.

The Atlantic Beach Project’s exterior highlights NIGIRI charred Accoya® by reSAWN TIMBER co, treated with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. This charring process enhances the wood’s natural durability and creates a striking aesthetic, ensuring longevity for exterior applications. Moreover, Accoya® stands as a testament to innovation. Decades of research have culminated in a high-performance wood solution, combining traditional wood modification techniques with cutting-edge acetylation technology. This results in exceptional weather resistance, making it highly adaptable to diverse locations.

Martin Architects prides itself on collaborating with notable artists, craftsmen, and urban planners in the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami. By developing an intimate knowledge of each location and the clients who will inhabit it, they create indoor and outdoor spaces that are both materially responsive and contextually sensitive.

4MA Builders is a sister company of Martin Architects, which is renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the building industry. It specializes in creating high-quality residential and commercial projects that integrate modern design with functionality. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail, 4MA Builders collaborates closely with architects, designers, and clients to bring visions to life.

Conor Harigan is a photographer who specializes in architectural, hospitality, and editorial photography. He excels at capturing the essence and design of spaces and contributes to promotional and editorial content for a diverse range of clients.

The Paragon Project – Avalon, NJ

DETAILS

Architect: Laura Glantz of Asher Slaunwhite + Partners 

Builder: McLaughlin Construction 

Photographer: Oscar Mikols Photography

Exterior Cladding:
NIGIRI – Charred FSC®-Certified Accoya®
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix 70%
Select Grade

Product Sizes (3)
Finished On Face Only, Sealed On Back & 2 Long Edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/8″ Wide x 6′-16′
Tongue & Groove

Finished On Face Only, Sealed On Back & 2 Long Edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/4″ Wide x 6′-16′
S4S

Finished On All 4 Sides
Solid +/- 1-1/2″ Thick x +/- 3-1/2″ Wide x 12′-16′
S4S

The Paragon Project is a serene modern retreat in the charming beach town of Avalon, NJ. This vacation home offers panoramic views of the bay and features modern elements that distinguish it from traditional beach cottages. Clean lines, corner-wrapping windows, and multiple bay-front patios seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The architect firm, Asher Slaunwhite + Partners, intentionally chose charred Accoya® exterior cladding for its aesthetics, 50-year warranty, and superior durability against the coastal climate. This modified wood offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and timeless character that the clients desire. The addition of the wooden slat design offers an interplay of light and shadow while ensuring privacy and shade, helping to regulate the interior temperature during hot summer days.

The Paragon Project is clad in NIGIRI charred Accoya®, a low-maintenance material that retains its aesthetic charm as it naturally ages. Accoya® wood transcends traditional wood; it undergoes a patented acetylation process, greatly enhancing its durability and dimensional stability. Furthermore, the wood is enriched with a charred layer using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, providing additional protection to its structural integrity. This technique carbonizes the wood’s surface, forming an outer char layer that shields against rot and moisture-related decay in exterior applications, making it an ideal choice for the Paragon Project’s coastal location.

Project Needs: Asher Slaunwhite + Partners sought a low-maintenance product with a modern, timeless, and natural aesthetic that could withstand the coastal weather. Intrigued by reSAWN TIMBER co.’s offerings, they delved deeper into our charred product line. A consultation at reSAWN’s headquarters provided exposure to various options, ultimately aiding in selecting the ideal material for the project.

Project Solutions: NIGIRI charred Accoya captured the client’s attention with its impressive dimensional stability, aesthetic appeal, and warranty. A mockup was created to ensure its suitability for the coastal location, demonstrating excellent performance in the home’s specific climate conditions.

Project Results: Since its installation, the product has showcased exceptional performance. The clients are delighted with how it has fulfilled all their expectations and eagerly anticipate its evolution with their home for years to come.

Asher Slaunwhite + Partners is a prominent architectural firm specializing in coastal residential architecture. The firm prides itself on being considerate and responsive to a project’s context, ensuring that its homes integrate seamlessly into its communities. Its designs respect history and surroundings, contributing positively to the community without being overly extravagant.

McLaughlin Construction, located in Sea Isle, NJ, brings decades of experience in construction management and financial executive leadership, providing a unique experience for its customers. It has the expertise to effectively manage custom home projects, paying close attention to complexities and finer details while delivering the professional project management services that every customer deserves.

Oscar Mikols Photography is a distinguished studio renowned for its exceptional quality, creativity, and professionalism. Led by the visionary photographer Oscar Mikols, the studio specializes in a wide range of photography genres, including architectural, interior design, real estate, and fine art photography.

Trailblazer Project – Renton, WA

DETAILS

Builder: Lang Curtis Custom Homes

Designer: Citizen Designer

Photographer: Andrew Storey 

Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM Shou Sugi Ban charred Accoya® wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Burnt on face only, unsealed
Solid +/- 3/4″ thick x +/- 5-3/8″ wide x 6′-16′
Tongue & Groove

Publications:
Arch Daily 
Dwell

The Trailblazer Project is a 4,600 sq. ft. home in Renton, WA. The home is designed with four gabled volumes, each working in unison to form a compound of living spaces. The large pane of windows generously infuse the interiors with abundant natural light while offering captivating views of the surrounding forest. The aim of this project was to seamlessly blend the home with its natural surroundings. Citizen Designer chose reSAWN TIMBER co.’s CUSTOM charred Shou Sugi Ban Accoya® wood for the exterior cladding, introducing a smooth yet distinctive feature that enhances the overall design with an intriguing transitional element.

Shou Sugi Ban elevates the visual appeal of wood products by bringing out wood’s natural texture while delivering a tactile, three-dimensional visual effect. This adds a sense of depth and character to the cladding, effectively blending the residence with its surrounding elements.

Thanks to the heightened resilience of Accoya®, the dense outer char layer created during the Shou Sugi Ban process facilitates a smooth and graceful transformation of the wood. This process results in a captivating weathered appearance, enhancing the longevity of the wood. The charred layer serves as a protective barrier against pests, fungi, and decay. Accoya® wood is known for its sustainability and dimensional stability. When integrated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, it amplifies the material’s inherent attributes and elevates its suitability for exterior applications.

Lang Curtis Custom Homes have maintained their commitment to crafting distinctive, high-quality homes for decades. They focus on providing homes with a unique quality that has a lasting difference, regardless of size or price range.

Citizen Designer is the design branch of Collaborative Companies based in Seattle, WA. Through thoughtful listening, experience, and innovation, they deliver creative solutions to transform modern living.

Andrew Storey is a photographer based in Seattle, WA. Andrew specializes in architecture, youth/education, and drone photography. His work is showcased in several architectural magazines.