Rice Hull Siding Transforms Coastal Home in Montauk
July 2025When a Montauk homeowner set out to restore her seaside home, her goal was clear: find a sustainable alternative to cedar siding and trim that could withstand the coastal climate elements while maintaining the warmth and charm of a luxury home. The solution came in the form of ACRE™, a wood-alternative siding made from upcycled rice hulls. What began as a materials search turned into a complete transformation, one that speaks to the power of innovation in both design and sustainability.
The Challenge of Coastal Living
Coastal homes present a unique set of challenges when it comes to exterior materials. Salt air, moisture, and UV exposure can rapidly degrade traditional wood siding, especially untreated or unsealed cedar. In this case, the homeowner’s existing cedar siding was deteriorating and required constant maintenance.
Equally important to her was sustainability. “I’m planning on being reborn as a tree,” she said, emphasizing her deep commitment to the environment and preference for eco-conscious solutions. With deforestation concerns top of mind, the main challenge was searching for a wood alternative that could effectively mimic the look of aged cedar and stand up to the tough coastal conditions.
Why ACRE Was the Right Fit
Enter ACRE by Modern Mill, a material made from upcycled rice hulls that delivers the rich texture of real wood siding without the need for frequent maintenance. The homeowner wanted to use greener resources for the new siding and trim, so the builders sought out a material that promised durability, ease of use and easy installation to prevent project delays.
After finding ACRE, the builders put it through a rigorous vetting process. Skeptical at first, project manager Ian Pedersen tested the product by burying it, freezing it, and even submerging a sample in a lake for six weeks. The result? No warping, cracking, or discoloration. “After that lake test when I saw that it looked the same as when I first received it, I knew ACRE was right for this special project,” Pedersen shared.
Shiplap That’s Built to Last
The horizontal ACRE shiplap siding used in the Montauk home offers more than just aesthetic appeal. ACRE’s dimensional stability makes it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, common factors in coastal deterioration. Its consistent grain and texture give it the high-end, luxury siding appearance the homeowner desired, while its workability allowed for easy customization during installation.
ACRE is stainable and paintable without primer and compatible with hundreds of manufacturer approved finishes. View Modern Mill’s coatings resources for guidelines and approved coatings to use with ACRE.
Eco-Conscious Living Meets Luxury Design
The transformation of this Montauk beach house shows how modern materials like ACRE can deliver the beauty of wood with superior durability. The use of ACRE not only elevated the home’s visual appeal but also aligned with the homeowner’s values. By avoiding deforestation and utilizing a material made from agricultural byproducts, the project made a lighter impact on the planet without compromising on style or performance.
For homeowners looking to replicate this curb appeal with coastal durability, ACRE is the go to choice.
Conclusion
This Montauk project stands as proof that shiplap exterior siding made from rice hulls isn’t just a trend, it’s a long-term solution for luxury coastal living. For those looking to combine natural aesthetics with environmental responsibility and performance, ACRE may be the smartest material on the market.
Ready to explore ACRE for your home? Order samples today or contact the Modern Mill team below to get learn more about using ACRE for your next project!
