Birdsong
North Central Oregon

A Rural Modern Home with Panoramic Views

Set amidst rolling fields of alfalfa in a picturesque agricultural region, this home is a striking example of rural modern design. Farm Use zoning restrictions dictated that the house be built on the property’s only non-arable land—a fortunate mandate that elevated the home above the countryside, offering sweeping 180-degree views of the Cascade Mountains.

The long, narrow footprint of the house hugs the hillside, with the garage discreetly tucked into the slope. This clever design decision not only minimizes the home’s visual impact but also creates a private, wind-protected courtyard. Enclosed by a dramatic fifteen-foot-tall gabion retaining wall, the courtyard provides a tranquil outdoor retreat sheltered from the region’s breezy conditions. Adding historical depth to the site, the home and courtyard were carefully positioned to preserve a 100-year-old water flume—a relic of the area’s early farming settlements and a nod to the property’s agrarian roots.

The home is as sustainable as it is beautiful, designed to thrive in the challenging climate of the high desert. Despite occasional summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the house remains comfortably cool without the need for air conditioning. Functional cross-ventilation strategies, a super-insulated building shell, and thoughtfully proportioned roof overhangs work in concert to regulate indoor temperatures naturally. The western glazing not only captures spectacular sunsets but also highlights the home’s efficiency, balancing expansive views with shading strategies to mitigate solar heat gain.

By merging thoughtful design with a deep respect for the property’s history and environment, this home offers a contemporary sanctuary in the heart of the agricultural landscape. Its balance of modern functionality, energy efficiency, and connection to the past creates a living experience that feels timeless, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Project Credits