Our ICF foundation has 2 5/8” of foam on the exterior, which created a minor aesthetic challenge for us. To ensure everything was flush once we added the cladding, we needed to strap the exterior walls out to compensate. The ideal solution would have been a continuous layer of rigid foam (for complete thermal break), however our contractor was concerned about the weight of the siding and insisted on a different approach. Instead, we’ve installed strapping at 16” on center, with rigid foam in between. We’ll then be adding a layer of plywood and wrapping everything in Tyvek. This should provide more than enough stability to affix the siding correctly.

Speaking of which, we really need to finalize our approach here. We’ve been leaning towards fir siding that’s stained with Sansin, but we’ve also been considering a pre-painted solution, such as Gemthane, Maibec, or Cape Cod. Aesthetically, we want to ensure the grain pattern/texture is still visible and we’re planning on a darker colour (probably dark brown). I’m favouring the stain because I love the style it’ll deliver, but I’m fearful of how well it will weather. Sansin promises a 25 year warranty if the stain in applied according to their directions, but still… I’m not 100% sold on it. Regardless, I think a wood siding will compliment the modern design by giving it a warmer, more traditional feel.

Beyond the wood siding, we’re planing on natural cedar soffits They’ll run along the bottom of the various overhangs, and I think they’ll really pop against the darker siding. Similarly, we’ve selected a “sandy” coloured brick for the front, which has a bit of brown and a bit of orange it. All in all, I think everything will tie together nicely.

At least that’s the plan.