
At the start of this project, Green Hammer Design Build was brought in simply to repair siding that had failed from moisture issues. The cause was improper flashing, and the shaded site had exacerbated the deterioration of the wet assembly. After discovering the extent of the damage, the homeowners decided the time was right for a deep-energy retrofit. While at it, they wanted to enhance the appearance of the entry. The builder removed the compromised siding and added exterior rigid-foam insulation to the 2×6 walls to beef up their thermal resistance. Special attention was paid to air-sealing, and a rainscreen was added for additional moisture control. Most of the building was re-clad in fiber-cement panels, and the windows were boxed out with sheet metal cut into trim pieces and riveted together. For a layered look on the front facade, the team used recessed rusted-steel panels against brightly colored fiber cement and FSC-certified knotty-cedar siding with woven corners meant to have the look of dovetail joints. Because the steeply pitched, triangular lot does not sit square to the street, the landscape was designed to orient the house to the drive and the road beyond.
Designer/builder Green Hammer Design Build, greenhammer.com
Location Portland, Ore.
Photos Lincoln Barbour, lincolnbarbour.com
From Fine Homebuilding #294