Exterior & Interior Cladding
- Product
- WILLIWAW
- Species
- Alaskan Yellow Cedar
- Finish
- Oil
- Notes
-
Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
Tongue & Groove (T&G)
17XM
Washington, D.C.
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF)
Builder: USA Millwork
Builder: USA Millwork
Project Overview
Located in Washington, D.C.’s Central Business District, 17XM is a next-generation workplace designed to prioritize wellness, occupant comfort, and the tenant experience. The 11-story, 334,000-square-foot office building is the first in North America to achieve SmartScore Certification, integrating intelligent building technology that enhances connectivity, operational efficiency, and everyday usability.
Through a dedicated mobile platform and smart-building infrastructure, tenants can seamlessly access amenities while building systems continuously optimize lighting, occupancy, and mechanical performance to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Sustainability & Material Selection
Designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification, 17XM features a dynamic façade composed of horizontal fins, vertical sunscreens, and sustainably sourced building materials. With an emphasis on locally sourced, natural materials, the design team at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) collaborated with RESAWN to develop an exterior wood cladding solution that supported both the project’s environmental goals and architectural vision.
Following on-site mockups to evaluate weathering characteristics, WILLIWAW Weathered Alaskan Yellow Cedar was selected for the exterior façade.
Performance & Natural Weathering
Finished with a plant-based, zero-VOC pre-weathering treatment, WILLIWAW offers a durable and environmentally responsible cladding solution for both interior and exterior applications. The finish features a carefully balanced blend of warm tans and soft grays that minimizes visual change over time while providing the appearance of naturally weathered wood from day one.
The result is a distinctive exterior that introduces warmth and natural character to Washington’s urban streetscape while delivering long-term performance with minimal aesthetic variation.
Interior Material Continuity
The material palette continues into the building’s lobby, where WILLIWAW wood accents extend to the soaring ceilings. The natural wood introduces warmth and texture, softening the contemporary interior while creating a cohesive visual connection between the exterior architecture and interior experience.
Design Team
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is one of the world’s leading architecture firms, recognized for designing innovative buildings that shape cities and enhance the built environment. With expertise spanning workplace, civic, hospitality, and mixed-use developments, KPF combines design excellence with technical innovation to create sustainable, high-performance architecture around the globe.
