![This modern single-family house with exterior materials of ipe wood siding and weathering steel.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/modern-house-ipe-wood-brazilian-wood-steel-siding-250220-1216-01.jpg)
When architecture firm Olson Kundig were designing this house on Mercer Island in Washington, they decided to showcase two different modern siding materials.
![Weathering steel and ipe wood siding are featured on this modern house.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/modern-house-ipe-wood-brazilian-wood-steel-siding-250220-1216-02.jpg)
The single-family home features a combination of durable materials like exterior ipe wood siding – also called Brazilian walnut – and weathering steel.
![Weathering steel and ipe wood siding are featured on this modern house.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/modern-house-ipe-wood-brazilian-wood-steel-siding-250220-1216-03.jpg)
Both of these materials provide long-term, low-maintenance protection against the wet climate, as well adding visual interest as they weather over time.
![A modern house with plenty of windows, weathering steel, and ipe wood siding.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/modern-house-ipe-wood-brazilian-wood-steel-siding-250220-1216-04.jpg)