Renovation/Restoration Residential (Washington)

Arbor Crest Cliff House


Photo courtesy of NWCB
A Dryvit Outsulation system was applied to Arbor Crest Cliff House that preserves its historic look.

Location: Spokane

Contractor: Drywall Specialties

Architect: Blue Room Architecture & Design

Team: Building Specialties, Dryvit Systems



Perched 450 feet above the Spokane River stands the Cliff House estate. It was built in 1924 by inventor Royal Newton Riblet.

Riblet not only developed and patented devices such as a pattern sprinkler system, a mechanical parking garage and the square wheel tractor, but he also served as the chief engineer and designer of his home and estate. The three-story mansion, which served as Riblet’s home for more than 45 years, was erected on the edge of a basalt cliff overlooking the greater Spokane area.

A recent fire destroyed much of the mansion and lead to a complete re-cladding of the exterior.

The previous three-coat stucco system was replaced with Dryvit’s Outsulation Plus MD System. It is a high-performance moisture-drainage system that has an air- and water-resistive barrier. The Dryvit acrylic finish closely replicates the old stucco finish, which allowed the structure to preserve its status as a National Historic Landmark.

The exterior cladding contractor, Drywall Specialties, maintained the historical appearance while bringing energy efficiency to the building.

Judge’s comment: “The owner received just what he wanted with the renovation of the exterior of his residence. In addition to a beautiful finish, he achieved an energy-efficient system that will provide future energy savings.”



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