“It’s not even a question that this is not your grandmother’s house. It has a beautiful aesthetic that combines traditional with colorful and modern.”

– Thomas Piatt, Principal Architect at Piatt Associates, Inc.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Development Type: Modular condominiums

Construction Start Date: July 2012

Architect: Piatt Associates Inc

Developer: Abodez

Contractor: Bald Hill Builders

Siding Products Featured:

• HardieTrim Boards
• HardieSoffit Panels
• HardiePlank Lap Siding
• HardiePanel Vertical Siding
• Artisan Accent Trim

Award-Winning Design

To create a modern aesthetic in a traditional, upscale neighborhood, architects at Piatt Associates, Inc. turned to James Hardie for the exterior cladding on Bay State Corner, a 10-unit modular condominium building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The versatility of James Hardie products offered design freedom while providing the durability to stand the test of time.

Utilizing alternating 4, 6, 8 and 10.75-inch exposures, the architects created a striking modern exterior design.

“Because HardiePlank lap siding is available in so many different exposures, we were able to create several decorative patterns on the side of the building,” says Thomas Piatt, principal architect at Piatt Associates, Inc. “The alternating exposures, coupled with blocks of bright colors, enhanced the curb appeal of the entire building while still blending in with the Victorian and shingle styles that characterize the rest of the neighborhood.”

The innovative design earned the building a Silver Professional Builder Design Award, honoring the best of the best in residential design.

For the general contractor on the project, Bald Hill Builders, working with James Hardie products provided an advantage during the bidding process and throughout installation.

“We have a good relationship with our local rep, who provides support when we bid for projects like these,” said Jessica Morrissey, operations manager at Bald Hill Builders. “Once we’re awarded a project, James Hardie offers assistance on everything from product selection to fastening schedules. If our installers have questions, their reps are always available.”

How to Create an Alternating Exposure Design

Alternating exposures create a unique aesthetic for multifamily buildings. To achieve this look, James Hardie recommends a specific product purchase plan, layout and guidance during the design phase:

Decide how many exposures to incorporate based on your desired aesthetic.

Determine your exposure widths. For example, 4 inches for a narrow exposure and 10.75-inches for a wide exposure.

Create a repeating exposure pattern such as wide-narrow-wide, narrow-narrow-wide or narrow-wide-wide.

Architects can contact James Hardie Technical Services at Level3Plus@jameshardie.com during the design phase for assistance on which products and fastening schedules will enable a code-compliant design. It is important to follow all installation requirements and purchase HardiePlank lap siding in widths that support the design. NOTE: James Hardie does not recommend ripping HardiePlank lap siding to a narrower width in order to achieve an alternating exposure look.