“Every architect dreams of designing his own home,” according to Michael Rantilla, AIA. Rantilla’s dream became reality when he designed and served as general contractor on his striking new 2,500 sq. ft. residence in Raleigh, NC.

Aptly named Residence In the Woods, the uniquely-formed structure is a literal response to significant site challenges. Wedged between zoning setbacks, a stream buffer and a steep slope, the residence was squeezed vertically into a three-story massing. Each floor is clad in a different material.

“The setting in the woods was critical to the selection of the three materials,” Rantilla said. “I wanted materials that blended with the forest.” Approximately 750 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK® 0.8mm Preweathered Graphite Gray corrugated panels clad the lower level. The ½” sinusoidal panels were applied as a ventilated rainscreen.

“What I really like about the zinc is the fact that it has a variation and it subtly patinas,” said Rantilla. “The RHEINZINK Graphite Gray has a real earthiness and slightly green tone that works well with the foliage and forest. I didn’t want any coated materials on my house—only natural materials. And obviously a huge benefit of the RHEINZINK is the lack of maintenance. That was very attractive.”

Wood was used to clad the middle level of the structure and corrugated aluminum on the upper level. “I created an ascending lightness of materials as you move up the building,” reports Rantilla. “The lower floors have richer, darker materials. And the aluminum at the top works well with the variation in the sky.”

Fabrication of the RHEINZINK was done by Metal Tech—USA, Peachtree City, GA.