Seattle | North Beach Custom Rainscreen Siding
Project Overview
Perched on a bluff above Golden Gardens in Seattle’s North Beach neighborhood, this architect-designed home features expansive views of Puget Sound and a highly exposed site condition. Designed by Board & Vellum Architecture and Design, the residence required a custom exterior cladding system that balanced modern aesthetics with long-term durability in a challenging coastal environment.
Synapse Construction was brought on to execute the exterior siding package, navigating complex access conditions while delivering precise rainscreen detailing and high-level finish quality.
Site Conditions & Challenges
With approximately half of the home constructed on piles above a 200-foot steep slope, vertical access and material handling presented significant logistical challenges. All exterior work required careful planning, sequencing, and coordination to ensure safety, accuracy, and efficiency while working above the bluff.
Scope of Work
Custom Rainscreen Siding Installation
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Installation of a full rainscreen cladding system
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Open-joint panel and wood siding assemblies
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Precise alignment and detailing across multiple elevations
Material Coordination & Finish Quality
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Custom material ordering to meet strict design requirements
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High-end finish execution with no visible butt joints in cedar elements
Materials & Systems
Silbonit Fiber Cement Panels
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Panelized fiber cement cladding installed over rainscreen battens
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Open-joint installation for modern expression and drainage
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Durable system well suited to coastal exposure
Clear Cedar Plank Siding
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Clear cedar planks installed over rainscreen battens with open joints
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Specified-length boards used to eliminate butt joints
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Creates uninterrupted lines and a refined architectural finish
Prefinished Wood System
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All cedar prefinished with Sikkens 1-2-3 prior to installation
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Ensured uniform coverage and long-term protection
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Reduced on-site finishing challenges given the site constraints
Final Outcome
The completed North Beach residence showcases a carefully executed rainscreen siding system that complements the home’s modern architecture and dramatic setting above Puget Sound. The combination of Silbonit fiber cement panels and clear cedar planks delivers a refined, durable exterior built to perform in a coastal environment.
This project highlights Synapse Construction’s ability to execute complex exterior envelope work under challenging site conditions—combining thoughtful planning, material expertise, and precise craftsmanship to deliver architecturally driven results.
— Synapse Construction | Building Envelope Specialists
