Western Red Cedar Gives This Home A Warm Feeling Inside And Out

June 25, 2023
A key design element of this home is the H-shaped layout with an exterior clad in Western Red Cedar siding.

Swatt | Miers Architects has sent us photos of their project, the ‘Happy Valley Residence’ in Lafayette, California.

A key design element of the home is the H-shaped layout with an exterior clad in Western Red Cedar siding. A path guides visitors through the entry courtyard to the pivoting glass front door.

A key design element of this home is the H-shaped layout with an exterior clad in Western Red Cedar siding. A path guides visitors through the entry courtyard to the pivoting glass front door.
A modern home with an entry courtyard.

At the rear of the home, there’s a large covered porch with an outdoor lounge and dining area, as well as a nearby firepit.

At the rear of this modern home, there's a large covered porch with an outdoor lounge and dining area, as well as a nearby firepit.
At the rear of this modern home, there's a large covered porch with an outdoor lounge and dining area, as well as a nearby firepit.

A cabana by the pool provides even more outdoor entertaining space that can be enjoyed.

A cabana by the pool creates a shaded outdoor entertaining space.
A cabana by the pool creates a shaded outdoor entertaining space.

Inside the home, the western red cedar carries through to the interior, while windows and doors were custom-made of Douglas Fir, stained to match the cedar siding. A grand 2-story great room in the center of the home opens directly to both courtyard spaces.

A grand 2-story great room in the center of this modern home opens directly to both courtyard spaces.

A family living room, casual dining area, and kitchen are located on the east side of the “H”.

A modern family room and dining area that look out to the yard.
A modern kitchen with wood accents and a patterned backsplash.

There’s also a glass wine storage room with unique shelving that makes it look like the bottles are hanging in the air.

A modern kitchen with a glass-enclosed wine room.

The home office with its blue walls, and a guest suite are on the opposite side of the great room.

A modern home office with a blue accent wall.

Upstairs, there are walkways that look down onto the great room, and at the same time allow for a close-up look at the wood ceiling.

A modern home with walkways that overlook a great room below.

In one of the bedrooms, glass walls provide a view of the trees, and a sliding glass door opens to a private balcony.

In this primary bedroom, glass walls provide a view of the trees, and a sliding glass door opens to a private balcony.
In this primary bedroom, glass walls provide a view of the trees, and a sliding glass door opens to a private balcony.

In another bedroom, a neutral color palette makes for a relaxing space.

A modern neutral color palette in this bedroom makes for a relaxing space.

Each of the bathrooms has its own unique design, with the primary bathroom featuring wood cabinetry, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass-enclosed double shower.

A primary bathroom featuring wood cabinetry, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass-enclosed double shower.
A primary bathroom featuring wood cabinetry, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass-enclosed double shower.

In the second bathroom, small square tiles have been laid in a diamond pattern, while textural tiles create a backdrop for the mirror and vanity.

A modern bathroom with tiled-covered walls and a textured element behind the vanity and mirror.

In the third bathroom, dark walls with a graphic finish create a more dramatic look.

A powder room with dark graphic wallpaper and wood vanity.
Photography by Russell Abraham | Design: Swatt | Miers Architects