Project size: 6,110 sf
Program: To have a close, living connection to their natural surroundings, the owners wanted a single family residence and a guesthouse built on their farm. The chosen site was an old silted logging pond in an area not conducive to cultivation.
Location: The rolling hills of Oregon wine country.
Solution: The pond was first enlarged and slightly reshaped to accommodate the residence’s structure, which was designed as a bridge across the pond’s north end. To reach the house, one walks along an entry path that passes through a dense forest before crossing a section of the pond to the front door. When the door is opened, views through the house and out onto the broad vista of the pond are revealed, creating a visual “release.” The guesthouse is connected to the main residence by a covered outdoor walkway.
Construction and materials: Designed as a simple steel frame carrying a wood roof structure, the primary box comprises a kitchen, living and dining room area, and master bedroom on one level; an indoor mudroom connects the home to the garage. Large roof overhangs are designed to protect the glass and wood vertical surfaces of the building. The south-facing glazing maximizes the light and warmth in the Pacific Northwest.
Additional Information
Completion date: June 2013
Gross square footage: 2,705 square feet
Total project cost: withheld
Total construction cost: withheld
Client/Owner: Michael Etzel and Carey Critchlow
