Exterior Cladding
- Product
- IRUKA
- Species
- Cypress
- Finish
- Charred, Oil
- Notes
-
Select Grade
Surfaced 4 Sides (S4S)
Copake Lake Residence
Copake, NY
Architect: Desai Chia Architecture
Builder: Bill Stratton Building Company
Builder: Bill Stratton Building Company
Project Overview
Overlooking Copake Lake in upstate New York, this contemporary residence is carefully positioned among mature oak trees to embrace its tranquil natural setting. Bold volumetric cantilevers extend toward the lake, while expansive glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, filling the home with natural light and uninterrupted views.
A restrained palette of charred wood and exposed concrete reinforces the architecture’s quiet presence, allowing the surrounding landscape to remain the focal point.
Material Selection & Performance
The exterior is clad in IRUKA shou sugi ban Cypress, selected for its weathered gray appearance, natural texture, and long-term durability. Installed in a reverse board-and-batten configuration, the cladding creates depth and shadow across the façade, emphasizing the home’s sculptural forms while maintaining a refined, understated aesthetic.
Naturally rich in preservative cypressene oils, cypress offers excellent resistance to moisture and decay. Combined with the traditional shou sugi ban charring process, the material gains an additional layer of protection against insects, weathering, and moisture while accentuating the wood’s natural grain and texture. The result is a durable, low-maintenance façade that performs beautifully in an exposed lakeside environment.
Specification & Technical Support
Having previously specified IRUKA on another project, the design team was already familiar with the product’s performance and aesthetic qualities. Seeking a weathered gray finish that would maintain a consistent appearance across all elevations, they selected IRUKA early in the design process.
Working with RESAWN, the team developed a reverse board-and-batten installation that enhanced the architectural expression while achieving the desired depth, texture, and tonal consistency throughout the exterior.
Project Team
Desai Chia Architecture is an award-winning architecture and design practice founded by Katherine Chia, FAIA, and Arjun Desai, AIA. Since 1996, the firm has created residential, cultural, and commercial projects distinguished by bold concepts, refined materiality, and thoughtful responses to site. Their work emphasizes clarity, craftsmanship, and architecture that enriches the relationship between people and place.
