This energy-efficient dream home was designed by Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects, nestled atop a forested ridge in the Portland suburb of Beaverton, Oregon. After sending their grown children off to college, an empty-nester couple wished for a change of scenery. They wanted their new residence to offer a shorter commute to work and provide all of the comforts of aging in place.
The couple purchased a heavily forested 1.2-acre site that would embrace outdoor living throughout the year. They requested for their dwelling to be livable — both indoors and out — in the cool northwest climate with natural light and filtered views of the forest. Inside this 4,867 square foot modern home, you will find an open layout with simple, clean lines and inviting warmth.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects CONTRACTOR WA Hughes Construction ENGINEER Madden & Baughman Engineering LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Dennis’ 7 Dees
Access to this property is provided by a shared private road down to a small clearing between the protected trees and habitat.
This home needed to be a place to bring the family together, despite their kids being gone the majority of the year, and to be able to entertain yet still have the comforts of daily life.
This dwelling is comprised of a long, single-loaded, open plan running north-south with living areas oriented west to the 35-acre forest reserve and open space.
While the beautiful woods was the main attraction to this property, it also presented some major challenges. Set within a protected forest, strict regulations dictated where the structure would be built and the building footprint. A further challenge brought to the architect’s attention — the property to the south was donated as an environmental and watershed preserve, bringing its own set of regulations.
Above: In the kitchen, a quartz waterfall island makes a beautiful focal point. White oak cabinetry brings warmth into this minimalist space. The window behind the sink provides sweeping views of the forest. High-end appliances include a Miele oven and dishwasher, Wolf cooktop, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator.
The exterior facade is clad in stucco along with tongue-and-groove vertical cedar siding. Large sliding glass doors help to blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. The outdoor seating is from Restoration Hardware, along with the Marbella Metal Rectangular table. On the floor, acid-washed concrete.
A two-story central hearth marks the divide between the large living room and the private master suite at the north. The hearth is clad with Mosa porcelain tile. Furnishings include a Como Sectional Sofa – Design Within Reach and a Noomi Chair – Design Within Reach.
A floating white oak staircase leads up to a small second level that features two-bedroom suites to host the owner’s visiting children or guests, a lounge and, a covered terrace.
What We Love: This Oregon dream home is contemporary yet cozy, with beautiful attention to detail throughout its design. The heavily forested setting is simply magical, with views maximized from every room in this dwelling. We are especially loving how great care was taken to protect the trees on the property and to divert the stormwater runoff. The architects did a fabulous job of creating a timeless home for aging in place while also being able to accommodate part-time guests.
Tell Us: What do you think of the overall design details of this home? Would you change anything? Let us know in the Comments!
Note: Have a look at another amazing home tour that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Oregon: Split-level mid-century ranch home gets fabulous facelift.
This serene master bedroom has sliding glass doors that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. A walkway just outside the bedroom connects to the outdoor spa, patio, and garden.
In the master bathrooms, the floors are Mosa porcelain tiles. A large wall of glazing captures pristine forest views.
The highlight of this spa-like master bathroom is the Badeloft freestanding tub complemented by Aquabrass fixtures.
Throughout this Orgeon dream home, the hardwood floors are white oak, while the ceiling is tongue-and-groove cedar. This hallway leads to the study.
A quiet study at the south acts as a separate retreat from the larger living area with select views of the forest. This space features custom timber shelving, and designer furnishings, including a Gus Modern sectional, a Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman from Knoll, and a Noguchi table.
The powder bathroom is located just next to this home’s entrance.
A site-sensitive approach was taken when constructing this project. This included the preservation of all fir and maple trees on the property, while newly landscaped areas help to highlight the natural setting. Stormwater runoff was funneled into a stormwater basin that is shared with neighboring properties, ultimately draining back into the local watershed.
Additional sustainable features include insulated windows, LED lighting, and a building thermal envelope with high insulation levels that are above code minimums. This home has garnered an Oregon home energy score of 109.
PHOTOGRAPHER David Papazian
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