northwest studio
Menu
Retrofitting a 100-year-old house with an envelope attuned to the Pacific Northwest climate.
The work centers on rebuilding the skin of the house from the structure out. A continuous, self-adhered waterproofing membrane establishes the primary barrier. Over this, layers of wood fiber insulation add depth as well as thermal and acoustic performance. A system of 2x4 battens and counter battens creates a ventilated cavity, allowing the assembly to breathe. The outermost layer—corrugated fiber cement siding—stands up to moisture and mold while giving the house its durable, textured surface. Thermally modified wood is used where touch matters most: at the entries, decks, and other moments where people interact with the house. High-performance tilt-turn windows are placed within this thickened wall, bringing light in while maintaining a strong thermal boundary. The roof follows the same logic. Galvanized corrugated metal is fastened over battens and counter battens, above wood fiber insulation and a continuous waterproofing layer, completing a thermally wrapped, breathable enclosure. Each piece is simple, but together they form a resilient system tuned to place.
The project is less about expression and more about performance—about building well in a climate that demands it. The house is a durable response to its environment, where form follows the quiet discipline of making a better envelope.