The 2022 Portland Modern Home Tour

October 15th, 2022

Architect: Guggenheim Architecture
Specialty Firm: A & R Solar 
Photography: Cristin Norine Photography

This environmentally friendly home integrates high performance building and modern aesthetics. The goal of this project was to build a home that is comfortable, energy efficient, and sustainable. Woven into the design are a universally accessible first floor, outdoor and indoor gathering spaces, a creative workspace, and a large outdoor covered deck.  

The project includes many renewable systems including solar panels, green pipe water supply lines, and rainwater harvesting for toilets and irrigation. Hyper-efficient mechanical systems such as heat pumps and an energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) were also used. The high-performance shell includes triple pane windows and exterior insulation. This paired with the high R-value interior insulation creates an air-tight envelop. The hardwood flooring is sustainably harvested as is the exterior cedar siding. This project is Zero Energy certified through Earth Advantage. 

From Akos: We are the builder and the homeowners! We are passionate about high-performance building and sustainability. Technically, this home is a remodel, but it’s essentially a new home. We took down most of the previous 468 square foot home. The home had already been gutted of any original character when we purchased it. We kept the foundation, subfloor, and one wall. We repurposed the shiplap sheathing from the old home, milled it, and used it for trim in the new home. 

The home meets the Passive House certification, but has not yet been officially certified.

Contractor/Builder: Akos Construction 
Interior Design: Wendy Scott Design 

This 1967 mid-century modern home has recently been updated by Akos Construction with design by Outside Architecture and Wendy Scott Design. Nearly the entire home has seen major updates including the living room, dining room, home offices, primary bedroom, family room and exterior deck. The walk-around fireplace is a major focal point of the home, with new stacked bond brick and walnut accents. The walnut casework is continued throughout the home, built and installed by S.G. Martin Woodworks. The home has a strong connection to a stunning backyard deck, which terraces down over the hillside. Each space was designed to open up the home, adding flow and light to a previously dark, compartmentalized house. The primary bathroom is another show-stopper of a space, with dramatic skylights, exquisite tile work and more beautiful walnut cabinetry. The final touches of furnishings, fixtures and décor was meticulously curated by Wendy Scott Design.

Contractor/Builder: Riverland Homes – John Chlopek + Chris Bittner 
Interior Design: Joelle Jarvis Design 
Landscape Architect/Design: Laura Canfield Garden Design
Photography: David Papazian Photography 

On a steep and narrow property with lake front access to Lake Oswego, the existing home was severed at the garage and redesigned with a compact, three-tiered plan that maximizes views to the water and increases lake front property depth.  

A floating bridge makes a direct connection to the street, allowing entry into the home well above the lake and expansive views upon entering. The modern form is derived from a stack of offset boxes which provide privacy on the east/west sides of the infill property and glass walls that open up to the views of the lake to the north.  

 A series of tiered landscape platforms provide access from the lowest level of the home down to a lake-level terrace with ample space for gathering. Adjacent the boat house, a large dock juts out into the lake with a dropped platform for easy access into the water. 

Featured Specialty Firm: A&R Solar 
Photography: Peter Eckert Photography

Passive House & Energy Positive! This home is in the process of getting its final certification for being a Passive House and with it’s 10Kw solar array provides more power than it uses, including an electric car for the year. The home includes a “Passive Swimming Pool” that is insulated from the environment and helps regulate the water temperature 

Designed for comfortable living, and to entertain friends, this home is open and spacious without being opulent. The main floor has a unique vaulted ceiling covered by Douglas Fir wood reclaimed from an existing 100yr. old home that was disassembled on the site. Unique custom timbers start at the entry and take you through the home to the triple-paned glass doors to the backyard.  

Creative use of interior glazing and skylight placement makes sure there are no dark areas of the home throughout the day, and a second story patio is a quite place for studying and morning yoga. 

Sellwood’s relaxing and family friendly neighborhood spoke to the owners and this project became their forever home instead of being another spec home for the developer-designers. 

Photography coming soon

Co-Designers: Walker Templeton and Aubrey McCormick
Photographer Credit: Ruummedia

Take in the extraordinary mountain views from this stunning designer home. Enjoy serenity and wildlife sightings from the expansive deck and fenced landscaped yard. High-end tile throughout. Italian white terra cotta backsplash. Custom wood slat island, custom glass shower and solid wood vanities, and custom kitchen nook bench. This home is modern pacific northwest living at its best: picturesque views and gorgeous interiors in a tranquil setting minutes from great restaurants, parks and shopping.