Stone, Water and Wood

Portland, Oregon
2013 Unbuilt

The program includes a guest house, garden area and tool shed and provision for entertaining large groups. The south-facing site has views to the Willamette River, Mt. Hood and the Coast Range.

For inspiration we looked to Japanese garden and folk house design and to examples of ancient wells and stone walls. We wanted to infer a history for this site, to create a sense of permanence as well as mystery. A well, water course, irrigation cistern, stone walls and fireplace element were configured to suggest a layering of occupation over time.

Both public and private entrances pass by ancient trees and cross a bridge, one ceremonial transition intimate, the other formal. The great room, on axis with Mt. Hood, is positioned between the private wing and the south-facing loggia, to create private/public realms that overlap, spaces that can serve small or large gatherings. The roof volume has a poetic sense of material and structure. Windows at the ends capture the sunrise and sunset, light and color filling the space.