The Portland Hilltop House was commissioned by an artist couple who own a series of stores featuring American art, craft and jewelry. Situated on a hillside with views toward downtown, the design draws on classical proportions and scale to produce a sophisticated yet comfortable home.
Photo: Tim Bies / Olson Kundig
Portland Hilltop House
Portland, Oregon
The simple, long bar plan and the spacing of the floor-to-ceiling windows provide both rigorous proportion and rhythm throughout the building. A lantern-like entry vestibule welcomes visitors to the house. The main level includes the primary living areas, an office, and a master suite. Views across the main axis from the courtyard to the south-facing balconies provide a strong connection to the outdoors. At the end of the bar, the master suite angles away from the rest of the house, taking in the best views and appearing to float in the trees.
A simple palette of materials—white marble, dark woods, natural-toned fabrics and sheer draperies—contributes to the serene elegance of the interiors. The many custom-designed furnishings include the master bed and side tables, bedroom bench and the fireplace tools.
Although the work I had done didn’t fit the clients' stylistic desires, they felt there was an attitude about how I work that was of interest. They were risk-taking—truly extraordinary.Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA
Design Principal
Slaughterhouse Beach House
Maui, Hawaii
Paradise Road Housing at Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
Team
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Debbie Kennedy
Publications
2015
Mejias, Jessica. “Olson Kundig Designs a Home for Two Portland Artists.” HomeDSGN. 6 Dec. 2016. Web.
2013
Nensel, Kuno. “Landhaus 5 Natürlicher Purismus.” ELLE Decoration Germany, May 2013, 138-144. Print.
2010
Bissell, Therese. “Outside and In.” Architectural Digest Vol. 67 No. 12, Dec. 2010, 100-107. Print.