Architecture enthusiasts and homeowners seeking unique exterior finishes are increasingly turning to shingles for their distinctive, textured appearance that mimics natural scales. A new architectural roundup features seven remarkable homes from across the globe that demonstrate how shingles can create striking, naturalistic facades with exceptional tactile qualities.
Shingles represent a versatile type of roof and wall cladding composed of small overlapping elements, highly valued for their durability and distinctive texture. While these architectural elements can be crafted from various materials including slate and thatch, wood remains the most popular choice, particularly in the form known as shakes, which offer both smooth and rough surface options. The featured projects illustrate how wooden shingles can produce captivating, scale-like facades that seamlessly blend with natural environments.
In Suffolk, England, James Grayley Architecture created an impressive extension to Church Cottage that perfectly complements the existing 18th-century building's thatched roof. The architect selected shingle cladding for the exterior walls, mounting them on a foundation of red brick and pairing them with wooden window frames and a green roof to enhance the home's rustic character. This thoughtful material selection creates a harmonious transition between the historic structure and its modern addition.
Canadian architects Oyama and Julia Manaças Architecte took a different approach with their 260-square-meter Waterhouse project in Quebec. Designed to blend seamlessly into a forest clearing, the team divided the structure into three distinct volumes to minimize its visual impact, then unified these sections with cedar shingle walls. The architects described their design philosophy as creating "strange bodies in familiar clothing," emphasizing how the natural materials help the contemporary structure feel at home in its woodland setting.
In Poland, HOLA Design demonstrated innovation with their Mountain Cottage, a gabled lakeside retreat featuring black-painted aspen shingles arranged at varying angles to create an incredibly textured surface finish. The architect deliberately chose this material and dark color palette to develop what they termed "a modern version of the mountain chalet" commonly found in the surrounding area, proving that traditional materials can be reimagined for contemporary applications.
Wallmakers faced unique challenges when designing Bridge House in India, a remarkable home that spans a seven-meter-deep gorge. Transportation difficulties to the remote site led the architecture studio to rely entirely on locally available construction materials, including grass used to create a distinctive scaly coat of thatched shingles. This resourceful approach demonstrates how environmental constraints can inspire creative architectural solutions.
Blee Halligan Architects chose cedar shingles with a deliberately rough finish for their Five Acre Barn conversion in the Suffolk countryside. The architects selected this material specifically for its aging properties, knowing the wood would gradually turn silver over time and blend naturally with the surrounding wild garden setting. The shingles completely envelop the barn's angular form, creating a striking contrast between geometric architecture and organic materials.
Pedevilla Architects prioritized environmental responsibility and local craftsmanship in their CiAsa Aqua Bad Cortina project in South Tyrol, Italy. The trapezoidal house is completely cloaked in larch shingles sourced from trees that had naturally fallen in nearby forests and were processed by skilled local craftsmen. This approach minimized environmental impact while supporting regional expertise and traditions.
Matthew Baird Architects completed the international showcase with Somes Sound House in Maine, where cedar shakes serve as the primary cladding material. The design team specifically chose this approach to respect the home's forested surroundings. "We were encouraged to embrace a modest expression worthy of the site and to make a structure that would sit lightly on the ground," the studio explained, highlighting how material choices can reflect broader design philosophies about environmental sensitivity and architectural humility.
