The Ridge
Bend, Oregon
The home is a study in privacy and screening. A rigorous site analysis was conducted to determine a hierarchy of outgoing views as well as areas of critical privacy with levels of sensitivity defined. The information was translated onto the surface of the 3D model to create a shell opacity gradient study. This allowed us to determine where to locate opaque, semi opaque, and transparent building elements to maintain maximum privacy while also maximizing the views out and daylight coming in. Various screening systems were studied to determine optimal privacy as well as aesthetic value.
The basic structure is a rectangle with a gable roof; the simplest and most traditional building form of the region. In plan, the rectangle was then cropped on two sides to adjust the view angle outwards to capture several Cascade mountain peaks. The resulting hexagonal form is repeated in the courtyard which has been cut out of the center of the home, creating a fully private outdoor living space which is also protected from the occasionally strong west winds.
The exterior of the home is clad entirely of greyed cedar which will continue to weather naturally, resulting in a zero maintenance exterior for the owner. The cedar texture varies depending on human interaction level at opaque locations of traditional siding and the amount of privacy desired at semi-transparent slat-wall locations.
Additional exterior spaces are carved out of the home to create unique areas of retreat; a sky garden with an outdoor shower, and a rock garden for private reflection.
On the interior of the home honed concrete floors with radiant heat keep the house comfortable year-round while providing a very durable low maintenance floor system. High efficiency sliding glass wall systems from Reynaers allow the building to open during favorable weather creating a true indoor-outdoor living experience. Custom fire pits on both patios create areas for gathering.
This home is currently under construction.
A collaboration with Jahnke-Ledant Architects in Durbuy, Belgium.