On a residential block in Seattle, a house by SHED Architecture + Design stands wrapped entirely in corrugated metal. There is no mix of brick, timber, or panels. Just one continuous material, chosen deliberately and used without compromise.
Corrugated metal siding is the defining feature. Its vertical ridges create a steady rhythm across the facade, catching Seattle’s shifting light and giving the surface subtle dimension. On grey days, it reads soft and matte. In brighter moments, it reflects the sky with a muted sheen. The effect is simple, graphic, and unmistakably modern.
The decision to use corrugated metal as the sole exterior material was rooted in restraint. The client was drawn to the Japanese concept of Shibui, an aesthetic centered on subtlety, simplicity, and unobtrusive beauty. Rather than layering textures or relying on decorative elements, the architects leaned into clarity. The metallic skin becomes both structure and statement.
Black accents, including the window frames, front door, and roof edge, provide contrast against the silver siding. The darker elements sharpen the geometry of the home, emphasizing its clean lines and compact form. Together, the corrugated metal and black detailing create a composition that feels industrial yet refined.
Set back from the street to preserve a cherry tree, the house maintains a compact footprint. Positioned carefully on the north side of the lot, it balances privacy with access to light, particularly for the large photovoltaic array mounted on the roof. Environmental performance was central to the design, and the durable, low maintenance metal exterior supports that goal.
Above it all, a shed roof sits on an angle and spans the entire structure. Its slope is practical, helping with water and snow runoff in Seattle’s damp climate.
Generous overhangs provide protection from the elements and shade for the upstairs balcony. The strong roof form pairs naturally with the corrugated siding, reinforcing the home’s utilitarian language.
Concrete site walls cut through the raised yard and guide the approach to the entry. The house feels anchored to both street and alley, robust yet restrained. The corrugated metal is not ornamental. It is direct and purposeful, aligning with the home’s net zero ambitions and disciplined aesthetic.
In a neighborhood of varied styles, this house makes its impression through consistency. By committing fully to corrugated metal siding, SHED Architecture + Design created a home that reflects the principles of Shibui: refined, elemental, and enduring.