thanks for the quick reply. What is the base construction of this home? Wood frame? Concrete? In addition, the rationale for the choice of base construction.
thanks

The exterior shell and roof are SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) with structural steel used where necessary. The balance is traditional wood framing with engineered lumber studs used strategically throughout. The rationale for these choices was a combination of energy efficiency and a desire for an ultra low tolerance for framing discrepancies (the need for straight and true walls required by the wide open giant interior volumes).

wow thanks... I will have to research the SIP's

What color of Sikkens did you use? Love the tone of the cypress and we're about to buy some ourselves for siding and eaves. Thanks!

Sikkens Log & Siding: Dark Oak (two coats prior to installation, all sides of every board)

Beautiful dark oak

Beautiful dark oak

What is the material/manufacturer of the lighter panels on the house surrounding the "dog window"? Thanks!

What is meant by "rain screen systems" and how do they screen rain away. Can these systems be used over existing concrete stucco?

The material surrounding the "dog window" is .040 clear anodized aluminum break metal, custom fabricated to our specs, but it could be made into just about any shape by any sheet metal shop.

Thanks, for the quick response!

I'm going to cheat and borrow a good definition from Wiki: "The rain screen system is a form of double-wall construction that uses an outer layer to keep out the rain and an inner layer to provide thermal insulation, prevent excessive air leakage and carry wind loading. The outer layer breathes like a skin while the inner layer reduces energy losses. The structural frame of the building is kept absolutely dry, as water never reaches it or the thermal insulation. Evaporation and drainage in the cavity removes water that penetrates between panel joints. Water droplets are not driven through the panel joints or openings because the rainscreen principle means that wind pressure acting on the outer face of the panel is equalized in the cavity. Therefore, there is no significant pressure differential to drive the rain through joints. During extreme weather, a minimal amount of water may penetrate the outer cladding. This, however, will run as droplets down the back of the cladding sheets and be dissipated through evaporation and drainage."

Love the house and want to thank you for taking time to answer all of the questions. We are about to embark on our on SIPS journey, modern construction. Did your clients have any trouble with Subs who were not familiar with SIPS? Any advice you could shed? Many Thanks!