COR-TEN and Passive Dacha
Construction is moving quickly toward completion on a new project, the Passive Dacha. In Russian, the “Dacha” is a retreat home set away from urban areas providing a connection with nature. Set on a beautiful open meadow in Mid Coast Maine, the Passive Dacha certainly accomplishes this task! 
We are excited about our first use of a new type of siding for us – COR-TEN steel. COR-TEN is a steel alloy originally developed and trademarked by US Steel to achieve a consistent, protective, oxidized rust-like surface that eliminates the need for painting and significantly reduces long-term maintenance. When new, COR-TEN appears to resemble standard mill-finished steel, but over a few short months of exterior exposure it weathers to a consistent rust-red. For the Passive Dacha we are using 7/8” corrugated COR-TEN sheets. The large-sized sheets are cost effective and efficient to install. 
We are excited about the possibility of working with this material more on future projects, as it is an economical, contemporary material that is durable and develops a patina that becomes more beautiful with time. Photos courtesy of Alison Rector
