| Modern day architects, be they professional or | | | | today falling far short of the stature of the mighty |
| amateur, practicing in the coastal areas of the Pacific | | | | cedar of a century ago. |
| Northwest, have frequently turned to the use of | | | | Architects of the twenty first century may not have |
| native materials. | | | | the luxury of using these spectacular timbers from |
| Can there possibly be any more true organic and | | | | the past, but they have developed what has become |
| native material than the giant softwood trees which | | | | known as the West Coast Style. |
| abound in the coastal forests. Western Red Cedar, | | | | The proportions have been reduced from the great |
| giant Douglas firs, the hemlocks and even the more | | | | long houses to that of a modern day home. Almost |
| diminutive pines - all have been used to great effect. | | | | without exception, these west coast style homes |
| Western red cedar, thuja plicata, has perhaps long | | | | are built overlooking the ocean. It is the job of the |
| been the wood of choice. Going back to the days | | | | architect to make certain that the home takes full |
| when the Haida Indians built their incredible long | | | | advantage of the view, while at the same time |
| houses from giant logs, one wonders how such | | | | blending well into the site. |
| magnificent structures were completed using such | | | | The very nature of the western red cedar lends |
| primitive tools. | | | | itself perfectly to an organically designed house. Here |
| Yet built they were, and many of them still stand to | | | | on the west coast, the landscape is bold and rugged. |
| this day. A tribute to both their engineering skills and | | | | The land rises abruptly from the sea sometimes |
| the ability of the wood itself to survive for many | | | | thousands of feet with hardly a break. It takes a |
| decades in the harsh climate in the area. | | | | certain type of house to suit this terrain, and there |
| The majestic cedars are becoming more and more | | | | can surely be no more perfect building material than |
| rare with much of the old growth wood being felled | | | | the majestic trees of the Pacific Northwest coast. |