In the Pacific Northwest, a building’s exterior must be a fortress against the elements, but it shouldn’t look like one. Modern West Coast architecture—inspired by landscapes like our home in Squamish, BC—is defined by the balance between clean, contemporary lines and rugged, organic textures.
Architects are increasingly specifying high-performance alternatives for the most weather-exposed sections of the building, utilizing James Hardie® fiber cement shingles finished with Fisher’s proprietary two-tone coating process.
Weathered Wood + Empire Grey Shinges | Project: Legacy Ridge, Squamish BC
Embracing the Rustic Nature of Shingles
There is an inherent warmth in the rustic nature of shingles. The staggered edges and deep-grain textures provide a “hand-crafted” feel that flat siding simply can’t replicate. However, in our climate, real cedar shakes often fall victim to moisture damage and uneven silvering and require long-term care and maintenance.
By capturing this rugged, tectonic texture in a high-performance composite, architects can create a bold, modern silhouette that remains grounded in the natural landscape. Whether used as a primary cladding or a targeted accent in gables and dormers, these shingles provide a tactile quality that softens the sharp angles of contemporary design.
The Substrate: Why James Hardie® Shingles?
High-performance finishes are only as reliable as the material beneath them.
We utilize HardieShingle® Siding as our primary substrate because they are engineered specifically for the moisture-heavy, freeze-thaw cycles of the coast. This material provides the fire resistance and structural longevity that modern developments demand, but the true realism is found in the final finish.
Empire Grey Shinges + PureSoffit | Project: Legacy Ridge, Squamish BC
The Coating: Realism Through Fisher's Two-Tone Process
While standard factory-painted shingles can often appear flat in nature, Fisher’s coating process is designed to pull out the hidden realism of the fiber cement texture.
By applying a variegated finish, we capture the multi-dimensional look of natural wood. Our process utilizes two distinct tones to create contrast within the grain and across the surface peaks. This results in: This creates:
- Visual Depth: Enhanced shadow lines and texture that make the shingles stand out.
- Rustic Integrity: A finish that honors the rugged look of wood without the maintenance of real cedar.
- Sharp Definition: Enhanced visual clarity for gables, dormers, and rooflines, ensuring these features provide depth and contrast.
Shou Sugi Ban Shinges | Project: Garibaldi Springs, Squamish BC
Versatile Application for Every Design Intent
HardieShingle® Siding is designed for total flexibility across the building envelope. Whether the architectural plan calls for full wall coverage to create a cohesive, textured look, or is used for accent walls to add contrast, the result remains consistent—Fisher’s wood-look coating adds the realistic textural depth across the board.
These shingles are an ideal solution for breaking up large elevations or adding a high-end organic touch to specific building sections, providing a warm counterpoint to modern surfaces like glass, steel, or stone.
Empire Grey Shingles
Shingle Panel Specifications
- Texture: Select Cedarmill®
- 7 inch exposure | Straight Edge
- Dims: 48" W | 15-1/4" H | 1/4" Thick
- Weight: 2.12 lbs. per square foot
West Coast Inspired Colour Palette
*Suggested caulking colour, custom colours & colour matches available.
Our palette is specifically curated to harmonize with the West Coast landscape—offering regional tones from deep granite charcoals to the organic warmth of Western Red Cedar. By integrating these tones with our two-tone finishing process, we ensure every shingle reflects the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while providing the uncompromising protection of fiber cement.
- Single Family: Enhance curb appeal and architectural interest without the "weekend warrior" staining and maintenance chores.
- Multi-Family: Achieve a luxury, warm aesthetic that stands up to high-traffic environmental wear and strict insurance requirements.
- Commercial: Meet rigorous building codes for non-combustibility while maintaining an inviting, high-end brand image for clients and customers.
The evolution of the building envelope proves that you don’t have to choose between a modern aesthetic and a rustic vibe. By leveraging James Hardie’s world-class substrate and Fisher’s artisanal coating expertise, we are helping to create homes that honor the heritage of West Coast style while standing firm against the elements for decades to come.
