THE ARBORETUM HOUSE

 

A Tear-Down Box is Instead Reinvented in a Compelling Northwest Vernacular

 

For his own residence, Craig Wollen purchased a small, early 70s ranch deemed a tear-down by the listing agent. It was a leaking one bedroom, 2 bathroom contemporary box with non-functioning doors, a partially collapsed carport roof, and dry rot everywhere. Craig saw something other than a tear down; he believed the house—located adjacent to the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland—could be molded into a thoroughly modern residence that respected its origins and setting.

Ultimately, an addition was designed that occupied the old carport while adding a new garage and reprogramming the space to include bedrooms in the daylight basement and living, kitchen, family bath, and study rooms on the main level. The bones of the house were amplified to embrace a mostly hidden post-and-beam structure, adding new beams where walls once stood. The new family room was created where the old carport once stood. A soaring 11' ceiling with 360° clerestory windows brightened and enlarged the formerly claustrophobic interior. Also, the south-facing Arboretum view elevation was entirely opened up on both levels and incorporated 8 new sliding door systems. A new slider on the front of the house off of the family room and kitchen brought the total to 9.

A new roof system created a much-needed overhang to protect windows from sun and rain. In a dramatic gesture, vertical Ipe wood screens cover a large portion of the house front. These screens offered privacy for the small front patio and visual interest, enclosing a small bamboo grove adjacent to the front door. Inside, the screen motif was continued with further detail. The living room is separated from the entry with a solid walnut screen accented with adjustable stainless shelves and a variety of frosted, textured, and mirrored glass panels. Walnut is used liberally throughout the house, from casework to wall paneling, including a secret wine cellar door below the staircase.

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An image of Turn Design logo.
an image of a modern home remodel in Portland, Oregon

THE ARBORETUM HOUSE

 

A Tear-Down Box is Instead Reinvented in a Compelling Northwest Vernacular

 

For his own residence, Craig Wollen purchased a small, early 70s ranch deemed a tear-down by the listing agent. It was a leaking one bedroom, 2 bathroom contemporary box with non-functioning doors, a partially collapsed carport roof, and dry rot everywhere. Craig saw something other than a tear down; he believed the house—located adjacent to the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland—could be molded into a thoroughly modern residence that respected its origins and setting.

an image of modern home renovation in Portland, Oregon

Ultimately, an addition was designed that occupied the old carport while adding a new garage and reprogramming the space to include bedrooms in the daylight basement and living, kitchen, family bath, and study rooms on the main level. The bones of the house were amplified to embrace a mostly hidden post-and-beam structure, adding new beams where walls once stood. The new family room was created where the old carport once stood. A soaring 11' ceiling with 360° clerestory windows brightened and enlarged the formerly claustrophobic interior. Also, the south-facing Arboretum view elevation was entirely opened up on both levels and incorporated 8 new sliding door systems. A new slider on the front of the house off of the family room and kitchen brought the total to 9.

an image of a modern interior in Portland Oregon

A new roof system created a much-needed overhang to protect windows from sun and rain. In a dramatic gesture, vertical Ipe wood screens cover a large portion of the house front. These screens offered privacy for the small front patio and visual interest, enclosing a small bamboo grove adjacent to the front door. Inside, the screen motif was continued with further detail. The living room is separated from the entry with a solid walnut screen accented with adjustable stainless shelves and a variety of frosted, textured, and mirrored glass panels. Walnut is used liberally throughout the house, from casework to wall paneling, including a secret wine cellar door below the staircase.

an image of exterior of modern house with wood screen
An image of Turn Design logo.
an image of a modern home remodel in Portland, Oregon
an image of modern home renovation in Portland, Oregon
an image of a modern interior in Portland Oregon
an image of exterior of modern house with wood screen