Modern Appeal, Lasting Protection: Metal Siding for High-End Residential Design
Blending Aesthetics, Performance, and Resilience in Modern Residential Exteriors
Sponsored by Metal Construction Association | Presented by Lawrence Scarpa, Jerry Sparkman, Ron Stevenson, and Jim Bush
Live Webinar Airing on October 28, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET
As luxury homeowners seek materials that blend aesthetics with performance, metal siding is emerging as a smart, sophisticated choice in high-end residential design. This webinar explores the increasing popularity of metal exterior siding in custom homes, highlighting its clean, modern appearance, long-term durability, and virtually maintenance-free performance. Architects and designers will learn how metal siding contributes to fire resistance, weather resilience, and sustainability, while also reducing labor demands during installation. Through expert insights and project case studies, the session will examine how metal siding can enhance both the beauty and durability of residential exteriors, helping to safeguard homes against climate-related threats such as wildfires, wind, and extreme weather.
Lawrence Scarpa of Brooks + Scarpa will present two residential projects that explore light, efficiency, and connection to nature.
The Alma Switch House in Manhattan Beach, CA, rethinks the typical bulky, balcony-framed local housing typology. Centered around a courtyard, the home brings natural light and ocean breezes deep into the interior, while maximizing views and breaking down the building mass. Sliding glass doors, family-friendly circulation, and a shimmering anodized aluminum screen wall create both privacy and openness. Passive design strategies make the house more than 40% more efficient than California Title 24 standards.
The Steeplechase House in Hillsborough, NC, is a pavilion in the woods designed for a longtime client returning to a quieter lifestyle. Twin gabled volumes with expansive glass connect interior spaces to the forest setting, while a transparent loggia creates the sensation of walking outdoors between the public and private zones. With its reflective glass exterior and warm plywood interior, the house shifts with the seasons and offers a place of retreat and reflection.
Elevated nearly 20 feet to meet coastal codes, the design maintains a “water-level living” feel, with a sweeping curved wall that acts as both roof and shield—framing mangrove views while shading interiors from the Florida sun. Inside, floating lofts, playful curves, and expansive glazing create a dynamic, light-filled environment that seamlessly connects to the water and surrounding landscape.
Ron Stevenson from South County Architecture & Design has an interesting residental metal wall project he will be presenting - details to come.
And finally, Jim Bush of ATAS International will discuss the benefits of metal wall cladding in residential design. He will highlight its durability, longevity, and minimal maintenance requirements, as well as its inherent fire resistance. The session will explore how insulated metal systems improve energy performance, with cool pigment finishes reflecting heat to reduce cooling loads. Bush will also cover the sustainability advantages of metal cladding—including high recycled content and full recyclability at the end of its service life—along with the range of available metals, profiles, and colors that provide architects and homeowners with versatile design options.
At the end of these dynamic presentations, there will be a brief Q&A session to discuss key points from the webinar.
Image courtesy of Brooks Scarpa
Alma Switch House Manhattan Beach California
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Lawrence Scarpa , FAIA, founder Brooks + Scarpa has garnered international acclaim for the creative use of conventional materials in unique and unexpected ways and the delivery of extremely creative affordable housing. He is the recipient of the American Institute of Architect’s GOLD Medal, the institute’s highest honor, the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Award in Architecture, The ACSA Gold Medal, the State of California and National American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award. Over the last ten years, Mr. Scarpa’s firm has received more than 50 major design awards, including 32 National AIA Awards, Record Houses, Record Interiors, the Rudy Bruner Prize, six national AIA Committee on the Environment “Top Ten Green Building” Awards and the World Habitat Award, one of ten firms selected worldwide. He has also received the lifetime achievement awards from Interior Design Magazine and the AIA California Council. Mr. Scarpa’s work has been featured in numerous publications and has been exhibited in venues such as Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, The National Building Museum and the Gwanju Bienale. Mr. Scarpa has also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. |
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Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB, , a founding principal of Sweet Sparkman Architecture, has been crafting resilient, thoughtful designs since the firm's inception in 2002. His work reflects a deep understanding of the coastal environment, emphasizing the integration of local culture, history, and long-term community growth. Jerry’s design philosophy—“respect the land and the people, and the rest will follow”—is exemplified in projects like The Bay Park in Sarasota, where he has merged innovative design with environmental stewardship to create vibrant public spaces. His portfolio spans high-end residential projects, public parks, higher education facilities, and community spaces, all shaped by active listening and a meticulous approach to financial, physical, social, and environmental factors. With a belief that nature provides unlimited inspiration, Jerry continues to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting the needs of diverse communities. |
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Ron Stevenson , LEED, Principal of South County Architecture and Design is a seasoned architect and lifelong Rhode Islander who founded South County Architecture and Design in 2021. With over 35 years of experience in the field, Ron has built a reputation for delivering award-winning projects that balance design excellence with practical functionality. His portfolio spans Multi-Family Housing, Commercial Developments, Historic Renovations, and Educational Facilities, showcasing his versatility and commitment to thoughtful design. Ron earned his degree from Boston Architectural College in 1994 and became LEED Certified in 2004, reflecting his dedication to sustainable and environmentally conscious architecture. |
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Jim Bush , CSI, is the Vice President for ATAS International, Inc. He has over 40 years of experience in the metal wall panel and metal roofing industry. Jim is a past chair of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), MCA retrofit council, MCA roofing council, MCA roofing certification committee, and is the past organizer and leader of the demonstration area at METALCON, the industry’s annual trade show. Jim worked on the task group to create the MCA installation training manual. He is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI) wind investigation teams. Jim speaks regularly on metal construction related topics throughout the country. He was inducted to the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame in 2014, and received MCA’s Larry A. Swaney Award in 2025, which is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry. |
The Metal Construction Association brings together a diverse industry for the purpose of expanding the use of metal in construction through marketing, research, technology, and education. MCA member companies gain tremendous benefit from association activities that focus on research, codes and standards, market development, and technical programs. www.metalconstruction.org
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2025
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Explain the key performance advantages of metal siding in residential applications, including fire resistance, durability, and low maintenance.
- Evaluate how metal siding supports modern architectural aesthetics in high-end home design.
- Identify the labor-saving benefits of metal siding installation compared to traditional cladding materials.
- Discuss how metal siding contributes to weather- and climate-resilient residential design, as well as sustainable building practices and code compliance.
