Among the Pines - California, USA

The rich, deep brown of Vulcan Cladding in Protector – Walnut helps these Tahoe homes to merge with their leafy backdrops.

Project details

Architects: Ryan Borman Builders – In House Builders

Timber distributor: reSAWN TIMBER co.

Product: Vulcan Cladding, Architectural Series in Protector - Walnut

Photographer: Matt Waclo

Location: Tahoe, California, USA

Set amid mountainous surroundings, these homes benefit from the atmospheric sounds, sight and scent of the tall pine trees that surround them, a feature that is celebrated and echoed by this cladding choice.

Designed by architect Ryan Borman, with timber supplied by Abodo Architectural Partner reSAWN TIMBER co, the two homes are known as Sierra Summit and Tahoe Pines.

For both homes, the clients were looking for a durable, low maintenance cladding product that would allow them to enjoy their mountain lifestyle with minimal stress. Sustainability requirements were also top of their list and Abodo Vulcan cladding ticked all the boxes, being derived from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified forests, deftly manufactured to stand robust and true through all weathers, as well as being a carbon-negative timber product.

Among the Pines Vulcan Cladding Architectural Series in Protector Walnut Abodo Wood 03

Located in the scenic town of Truckee, Sierra Summit is situated alongside many hiking and cycling trails. Neighbouring homes have a wood cabin aesthetic, with the gabled rooflines and covered central verandah of Sierra Summit designed to emulate this.

The choice to use thermally modified Vulcan Cladding - Architectural Series lends the home fortification against all weathers, without the risk of the timber warping or discolouring, while the Walnut finish reflects that of the surrounding homes as well as the trunks of the pine trees.

Among the Pines Vulcan Cladding Architectural Series in Protector Walnut Abodo Wood 02

Sierra Summit Home

Nearer to Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Pines is located in a zone that is prone to wildfires. This fed into the specification of the Abodo Vulcan Cladding, which offers protection from fires as a certified Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Product by the California Building Commission.

With a more modern, minimalist design, this home is tucked into a forested area with large windows to take in the leafy views.

The choice to use Vulcan Cladding in Protector - Walnut creates a nod towards the cabin style of other homes in the area, while also allowing for a clean, rich colourway across the home’s exterior.

Tahoe Pines Vulcan Cladding Architectural Series in Protector Walnut Abodo Wood 02

Tahoe Pines Home

In both cases, the patented vertical grain of the Vulcan timbers helps to deliver texture and structural integrity, allowing the homes to sit comfortably in their wilderness environment.

Due to the thermal modification process the timber undergoes, the cladding has a reduced resin content and superior stability, which will allow the homes to last through snowy winters and hot, high country summers.