This course explores the innovative applications of softwood, particularly western red cedar (WRC), in contemporary residential architecture across North America. Through detailed project case studies, three acclaimed architects—Raylene Hill (RAD Architects, Nova Scotia), Laura Marion (Flight Architecture, Colorado), and Jake Weber (GII Scout and Weber, Oregon)—share their design philosophies, construction strategies, and aesthetic decisions involving softwood lumber products. The course highlights the structural and sensory benefits of WRC, including its natural weathering, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and biophilic appeal, both on building exteriors and interiors.
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
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Identify the properties and advantages of softwood lumber—especially cedar—for use in residential architecture.
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Analyze how regional climates and site conditions influence material choices and the weathering behavior of cedar.
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Evaluate different installation techniques, grain selections, and finishes that impact the aesthetic and functional performance of wood cladding.
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Compare design strategies that balance modern architectural expression with vernacular traditions and natural material palettes.
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Identify best practices for designing low-maintenance, durable, and biophilic residential spaces using softwood in both exterior and interior applications.