Northwest Residence

Vancouver, WA

Design & Build: Vanillawood
Builder: Ginn Group

Project Overview

Northwest Residence combines a contemporary architectural form with a carefully curated material palette designed for longevity, visual consistency, and understated elegance. The design emphasizes natural wood, creating a calm, cohesive expression that responds gracefully to changing light and environmental conditions.

Seeking a weathered wood appearance that would remain consistent over time, the design-build team partnered with RESAWN to develop a material solution that balanced aesthetics, performance, and long-term predictability.

Exterior Material Selection

Material selection began with a series of hand samples before progressing to a full-scale on-site mockup that remained exposed to the elements for more than a year. This extended field evaluation allowed the project team to observe how the material would naturally weather within its environment before finalizing the specification.

WILLIWAW Weathered Alaskan Yellow Cedar was selected for the exterior cladding and soffits, offering soft, pre-weathered tones and a refined, timeless appearance. A contrasting accent of CUSTOM charred Accoya® introduces depth and visual interest while complementing the home’s restrained architectural palette.

Interior Material Continuity

To extend the same warmth indoors, MASON Western Hemlock was specified for the interior ceiling cladding. Its vertical grain and understated finish closely echo the appearance of the exterior soffits while providing a practical interior solution that maintains both the project’s design intent and budget.

Together, WILLIWAW and MASON create a seamless transition between exterior and interior spaces, reinforcing a continuous rhythm of color, texture, and natural wood character.

Mockup & Technical Support

A full-scale field mockup played a critical role in validating the project’s material selection, allowing the design team to confidently evaluate weathering characteristics under real site conditions.

Throughout installation, RESAWN provided on-site technical support, reviewing material installation, weathering expectations, and detailing with the project team. This collaborative approach helped ensure the finished exterior achieved the consistency, craftsmanship, and long-term performance envisioned from the earliest stages of design.

Project Team

Vanillawood led the design of the Northwest Residence, bringing together architecture, interior design, and material selection to create a home defined by simplicity, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to its surroundings.

Ginn Group served as the builder, executing the project with meticulous craftsmanship and close coordination throughout construction. Their expertise in high-end custom residential construction ensured the precise installation of the home’s custom wood elements.

Northwest_FI_RESAWN_WILLIWAW_MASON_Accoya

Exterior Cladding

Product: WILLIWAW
Species: Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Finish: Oil
Notes: Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
Tongue & Groove (T&G)

Product: CUSTOM
Species: Acetylated Radiata Pine
Finish: Charred
Notes: FSC®-Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Select Grade
Tongue & Groove (T&G)
*For a similar product, see KALA