VINEYARD RESIDENCE

The nature of THE PLACE

A private residence.
Located on a 200-acre vineyard in the Willamette Valley.
House location needed to prioritize leaving the best portions of the property for growing grapes.
A few possible locations were considered.

The nature of THE CLIENT & THEIR NEEDS

A 2nd home for a retired couple to be within their vineyard and views.
Interested in a sustainably built home that was energy efficient.
2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath.
Wine cellar.
Courtyard and drop-off area.
Covered outdoor areas.
Driveway entry bridge that delineates the private area of the house from the public zone.

THE DESIGN RESPONSE

The final location of the residence at the edge of the vineyard on north-facing ridge overlooking the other half of the vineyard.
Because of the steep slope, a stone retaining wall was constructed along the ridge. The stone also became the anchor material for the base of the residence.
Overall design concept revolved around the simple, gabled agricultural buildings in the region. Exposed heavy timber gable structures with simple shapes.
Design solution is a broad low pitched gabled structure with timber framing that is exposed on the exterior as well as the interior. The heavy timber utilized repurposed wood timbers from a recently deconstructed structure.
An entry bridge arrival element provides a covered drop-off and announces the private courtyard.
The bridge also allows a view out to the vineyard.
Air conditioning was eliminated because the design incorporated a natural cooling design using nature’s “stack effect” which allows warm air to rise and then to be exhausted with automated ridge skylights.
The floor plan is a simple linear plan with a central open sculptural stair which also contributes to the homes’ stack effect.
Simple palette of wood, glass, concrete, steel.