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Collection by Zach Edelson

Contemporary Designs That Use Wooden Shingles

The wood shingle isn't always a hallmark of historic architecture: these five projects use the humble square cladding in surprising modern contexts.

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This 1974 Japanese-inspired house, designed by famed Pacific Northwest architect Gene Zema, was recently renovated but retains its original wood shingles. The richly-crafted interior features cedar ceilings, stained fir beams, and oak flooring.
This 1974 Japanese-inspired house, designed by famed Pacific Northwest architect Gene Zema, was recently renovated but retains its original wood shingles. The richly-crafted interior features cedar ceilings, stained fir beams, and oak flooring.
Inspired by the Sydney Opera House, architects Andrew Maynard and Mark Austin paid careful attention to the extension’s “fifth elevation"—the way it’s seen from the sky. Its tiny houses, clustered at the southern end of the property, are clad in white steel panels and western red cedar shingles, contrasting materials that emphasize their geometric forms.
Inspired by the Sydney Opera House, architects Andrew Maynard and Mark Austin paid careful attention to the extension’s “fifth elevation"—the way it’s seen from the sky. Its tiny houses, clustered at the southern end of the property, are clad in white steel panels and western red cedar shingles, contrasting materials that emphasize their geometric forms.
To reference the original structure and to offer privacy, Grizzle left two of the shingled walls standing. The building, accessed by a cedar deck, opens to its surroundings via a sliding glass wall by Fleetwood and a bifold steel-and-glass garage door from Wilson Doors.
To reference the original structure and to offer privacy, Grizzle left two of the shingled walls standing. The building, accessed by a cedar deck, opens to its surroundings via a sliding glass wall by Fleetwood and a bifold steel-and-glass garage door from Wilson Doors.
Last but not least is Swiss architect Peter Zumthor's St. Benedict Chapel, built in 1988 before Zumthor's rise to international renown. Its shingles have weathered to a dark hue, creating remarkable dark-to-light gradients in some areas.
Last but not least is Swiss architect Peter Zumthor's St. Benedict Chapel, built in 1988 before Zumthor's rise to international renown. Its shingles have weathered to a dark hue, creating remarkable dark-to-light gradients in some areas.