Sierra Summit Project is a contemporary mountain retreat designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape. Located near Lake Tahoe and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, the 3,449-square-foot residence embraces its natural setting through a restrained architectural palette and durable exterior materials that will weather gracefully over time.
Designed for outdoor living and year-round performance, the home balances modern architecture with the timeless character of its alpine surroundings.
The exterior is clad in thermally modified radiata pine wood cladding in the WALNUT finish, selected for its natural appearance, exceptional durability, and ability to harmonize with the surrounding forest. Sourced from sustainably managed New Zealand plantation forests, the thermally modified cladding provides outstanding dimensional stability, weather resistance, and long-term performance in demanding mountain climates.
The material also met the project’s wildfire resilience requirements, supplying the design team with a high-performance wood solution that satisfied both HOA requirements and regional fire safety considerations without compromising the desired architectural aesthetic.
The project originated from an introduction to RESAWN’s modified wood products during an AIA presentation, where the design team explored the performance and maintenance advantages of thermally modified wood. Following product evaluations, the architects selected the WALNUT finish for its combination of durability, sustainable sourcing, and compatibility with the home’s design vision.
The successful installation and long-term performance of the cladding established confidence in the material, leading the project team to continue specifying thermally modified materials on future residential projects.
Ryan Borman is an architect whose work blends contemporary design with a deep understanding of construction, creating refined residential projects that respond thoughtfully to their surroundings while balancing creativity, craftsmanship, and performance.
In House Builders served as the design-build partner, specializing in energy-efficient custom homes with a mountain-modern aesthetic. Their integrated approach emphasizes clean architectural lines, quality craftsmanship, and high-performance construction tailored to the unique demands of alpine environments.
