Project architect Makoto Abe described the Climate-Shield rain screen system as “elegantly simple” and selected this system to help achieve this project’s design vision. After testing and due diligence, the design team chose Seal Once with Cape Cod Gray semi-transparent tint to seal the Ipe hardwood siding. This served as a UV inhibitor to help protect the natural wood during acclimation. The gray tones also helped to instantly create a naturally mellowed appearance that will allow the cladding to weather in place until it develops its own silver-gray patina over time.