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Scott Hester

“Grandma’s Cottage,” is Green Point Rated by Build It Gre… Read More “Grandma’s Cottage,” is Green Point Rated by Build It Green, a California green building program, for its focus on resource conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Scott Hester

1×8 fir planks salvaged from the garage were reused as backing f… Read More 1×8 fir planks salvaged from the garage were reused as backing for the Corten steel siding, which is manufactured with up to 70% recycled content.

Scott Hester

A windshield awning gives a whimsical nod to the owner’s passi… Read More A windshield awning gives a whimsical nod to the owner’s passion for classic cars.

Reclaimed materials add character to architect Frederick Hyer’s residential projects. One of his favorite touches is to use Douglas fir salvaged from nearby commercial buildings as window casing and windowsills.

“My clients like the way it looks, with distressed marks or nail holes, and they like that it’s reusing something that would otherwise be thrown away,” he says.

To personalize the exterior of a 450-square-foot guest house in San Leandro, Calif., Hyer scoured local salvage yards to find a Porsche 924 hatchback that became the home’s front door awning. Using existing hinges from the windshield, he secured the 30-pound piece of automotive glass to the exterior for a one-of-a-kind custom touch that delighted the homeowner, a grandmother and old-car aficionado.

“It’s got a real sculptural shape to it,” he says.

In addition, a weathered farmhouse door, found in a Berkeley salvage yard, was hung from a salvaged Douglas fir beam with barn door hardware for a unique sliding bathroom door.