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NW MODERN WABI SABI

The nature of THE PLACE

  • ​Located at the edge of a forest setting just outside of Portland and within the Columbia River Gorge.

  • South-facing orientation.

  • Gorge east winds can be significant at times.

 

 

The nature of THE CLIENT & THEIR NEEDS

  • A home for a couple with a young family.

  • To take advantage of the forest setting and the south-facing exposure.

  • Wanted the exterior to connect directly with the interior.

  • 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath.

  • 2-car detached garage.

  • Create a design that honors materials and time.

THE DESIGN RESPONSE

  • L-shaped plan with a detached 2-car garage creating a courtyard

  • Esthetic = gabled NW style Modern home with wabi-sabi design principles. To age is beautiful - natural

  • Organized around a south-facing courtyard with hardscaping, landscaping and rain-water retention areas.

  • A stone bridge at the entry serves as the threshold to the semi-private courtyard. The main entry door is at the end of the courtyard – journey thru the courtyard before entry thru a covered walkway creating a semi-private procession. The entry door.

  • Radiant floor heating, natural cooling with wide roof overhangs & operable windows for cross ventilation.

  • Simple palette of wood, glass, concrete.

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