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House of the Month: Case Studies

Introduction
Paul Mackie
Western Area Field Manager
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
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Sponsored by

!!WRCLA is a non profit trade association, established in 1954, known

worldwide as the voice of the cedar industry.
!!The Association provides educational and technical resources and
specification advice.
!!Western Red Cedar offers unique, natural performance
characteristics and exceptional beauty that bring warmth, character
and longevity to the interior and exterior of residential and
commercial projects around the world.
!!Independently certified, it is harvested legally and sustainable from
managed forests in British Columbia.
!!Western Red Cedar has the lowest environmental impact when
compared with other materials such as brick and fibre cement.

Sponsored by

!!Forests of BC cover 149 million acres. Less than 1/3 of 1% are harvested
annually.
!!More than 200 million seedlings are planted each year (eight for every
tree harvested).
!!50 million m3 of Western Red Cedar is growing in Provincial parks or
other protected regions.
!!Total standing volume is estimated at 750 million m3 (80% of this volume
is in the coastal region).
!!Variable retention and helicopter logging are widely practiced and keeps
the forest structure intact.
!!More than 130 million acres are independently certified as being
managed sustainably. The most of any single jurisdiction.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Characteristic

What it means

Dimensional Stability

Lays flat & stays straight

Natural Durability

Resists rot/decay with natural

preservatives

Presence of Thujic Acid

Prevents insect attack

Free of pitch & resin

Readily accepts a wide range of finishes

Straight grain & uniform

texture

Easy to cut, saw, nail & glue

Light weight

Easy to transport & handle

Class II Flame Spread

Resists the spread of fire

Thermal Insulator

Energy efficient; does not transfer heat

Acoustic properties

Noise insulation and absorption

Natural Aesthetics

Unmatched warmth and beauty

Sponsored by

House of the Month: Case Studies

Moderator:
Beth Broome, Managing Editor, Architectural Record

Panelists:

Erik Helgen, Assoc. AIA

Vincent Petrarca, Assoc. AIA

Cass Calder Smith, AIA

Associate

Partner in Charge

Design Principal

Della Valle Bernheimer

Tonic Design

CCS Architecture

Program Registration
McGraw-Hill Construction is a registered provider with The American Institute of
Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned on completion of this
program will be reported to CES records for AIA members. Certificates of completion
for non-AIA members are available on request.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education.
As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an
approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or
manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Copyright Notice
This presentation is protected by US and international copyright laws.
Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written
permission is strictly prohibited.

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Learning Objectives:
"! To

understand how particular design choices were made. The architects will describe their

process with regards to involvement of the client, and challenges of particular constraints
(budgetary, siting, code).
"!To

identify effective means for communicating with clients about the budgetary/design balance.

"!To

discuss effective means for working with local building departments, community boards, etc.

"!To

understand why specific material choices were made with regards to site, climate, budget,

and local vernacular.

"!To

understand why specific technology choices were made, specifically with regards to the

projects sustainable features.

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Artreehouse
Candlewood Isle
New Fairfield, CT
Erik Helgen, Assoc. AIA
Associate, Della Valle Bernheimer

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GREENville House
Vincent Petrarca
Partner, Tonic Design / Tonic Construction

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Seadrift Residence
Stinson Beach, CA
Cass Calder Smith, AIA
Design Principal, CCS Architecture

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SUSTAINABILITY
The design follows a rigorous sustainability program, achieving
the Marin Planning Department's highest rating for resource
efficiency (126 points/Platinum).
! Site Design the house was carefully sited and functional
spaces located appropriately to minimize heat gain and maximize
day lighting. Tall deciduous trees were planted along the west
edge of the site to provide summer shading and winter solar gain.
No grass lawn was installed, and all planting is native, resource
efficient and watered by drip irrigation.
! Materials Engineered lumber was used for primary structural
components reducing the overall amount of lumber from
conventional framing by 50%. Floors were poured finished
concrete, eliminating the need for additional flooring material, and
the exterior siding was treated without products that contain
chromium or arsenic to reduce toxic exposure.
! Energy Efficiency The insulation in walls and ceilings were
increased to exceed Title 24 requirements, and all windows
included low emissivity double insulated glazing. Large sliding
window panels open the house and provide cross ventilation and
cooling to eliminate the need for air conditioning. All appliances
specified were Energy Star rated.
! Solar Energy - Photovoltaic panels generate all of the home's
electricity, sending surplus energy back to the grid. All the home's
systemshot water, HVAC, and radiant heatingare integrated,
and all electric - powered by the PV panels on the roof. The only
use of natural gas is at the cooking range, which draws from a 50gallon propane tank. The home is net-zero in terms of its electric
energy consumption.

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SITE
Because local building codes require new construction to be at least three feet above grade (in anticipation of rising sea
levels), we approached the project like building a pier, creating decks that step down to the water. The home stands at the
center, with outdoor spaces that are an extension of the indoors.
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Q&A
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Summary
!!Western Red Cedar is legal, sustainable and renewable.
!!Western Red Cedar has the lowest environmental
impact of commonly available materials.
!!WRC is ideal for a broad range of applications owing to
its unique properties and aesthetics.
!!No warranty can match WRCs centuries of proven
performance.
!!When specifying grades, use industry standards to
ensure the right product is used on your project.
!!Remember the old adage You get what you pay for.
!!Assure yourself of quality products from reliable
suppliers, specify Real Cedar from members of the
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.
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Summary
On Web:
www.wrcla.org
www.architect-gallery.org
Key WRC Literature Available (free of charge)
Growth, Properties, & Uses of Western Red Cedar
How To Specify Western Red Cedar
How To Install Western Red Cedar siding
Guide to Finishing Western Red Cedar
Architect Advisory Services
Western Red Cedar experts available to assist with selection,
specification, sourcing and application.
Online Training Tool (AIA Certified)
www.cedar-training.org
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Summary
WRCLA Head Office
#1501 700 West Pender St
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada V6C 1G8
TF.
1 866 778 9096
Tel.
604 891 1232
Fax.
604 687 4930
wrcla@wrcla.org

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Paul Mackie mackie@wrcla.org

Beth Broome elisabeth_broome@mcgraw-hill.com
Erik Helgen ehelgen@dbnyc.com
Vincent Petrarca vincent@tonic-design.com
Cass Calder Smith cass@ccs-architecture.com
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This concludes the American Institute of

Architects Continuing Education System
Program.
Thank you!
Please take the test to receive your AIA credits.
For more information, please visit: www.wrcla.org

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