Modern architecture was introduced to Portland almost a century ago by Pietro Belluschi, John Yeon and other farsighted architects influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.
During the post World War II building boom, midcentury modern homes blanketed the city’s outskirts, where larger lots supported sprawling single-level dwellings with beckoning backyards.
Much of today’s new construction is contemporary, a fresh look at traditional with modern hallmarks of indoor-outdoor living created with glass panels and doors, and the fewest interiors walls.
If modern design as well as sustainability and energy-efficiency are passions or curiosities, you’ll see well-executed examples on the 2022 Portland Modern Home Tour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.
Ticket holders ($40 at mads.media) with a map to the Portland-area custom homes will learn about efficient construction materials and smart design ideas from local architects, designers and builders.
Here are highlights of the 2022 Portland Modern Home Tour as described by event producers, the Modern Architecture + Design Society:
Black Sheep Design Team
A 1950 house in West Linn’s Marylhurst neighborhood was remodeled in 2020 to enhance mountain views, improve efficiency and reflect an inviting modern Pacific Northwest aesthetic that extends from the welcoming porch to the large deck.
The 2,425-square-foot house was renovated by Walker Templeton of Black Sheep Design in Portland, which specializes in building, design, sustainability and supply-chain logistics.
The new kitchen has an Italian white terra-cotta backsplash, a wood slat island and custom bench in the breakfast nook.
Guggenheim Architecture
A 1926 house in Northeast Portland’s Cully neighborhood renovated by Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio and Akos Construction earned net-zero energy certification from Earth Advantage, a Portland-based nonprofit that promotes quality energy efficient, sustainable structures.
The high-performance, 2,100-square-foot house, completed this year, has triple-pane windows, extra insulation and efficient mechanical systems such as an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system that provides a continuous fresh air flow.
The exterior cedar siding and hardwood flooring are from sustainably managed forests. Shiplap sheathing from the original, 468-square-foot home was used for trim pieces.
Other sustainable features include solar panels, green pipe water supply lines and rainwater harvesting for flushing and irrigation.
Blueprint Earth, a landscape design and build firm, and Pomarius Nursery created outdoor gathering spaces, beyond the large covered deck.
Outside Architecture
A midcentury modern house in Southwest Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood has been updated by Outside Architecture. Walnut casework and accents built and installed by S.G. Martin Woodworks add warmth and visual interest against white walls.
The 3,400-square-foot house, constructed in 1967 and renovated this year by Akos Construction, has interior furnishings, fixtures and décor curated by Wendy Scott Design.
The walk-around fireplace with new stacked bond brick is a focal point of the house, which also has entertainment spaces that extend into the deck and backyard.
Hinge Build Group
A contemporary dwelling in Southeast Portland’s Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood was constructed in 2019 by Hinge Build Group, a team of designers, builders and Passive House consultants.
The 2,600-square-foot structure is powered by a 10 kilowatts solar array that provides more electricity than the house and an electric car use in a year.
Custom wood planks define the entry to the house. The vaulted ceiling in the great room is covered by Douglas Fir reclaimed from a previous house on the property.
The swimming pool was intentionally insulated from the environment, which helps regulate the water temperature.
Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects
Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects redesigned a 1938 Lake Oswego house into a three-tiered modern dwelling with increased lakefront access and enhanced views.
A steel bridge from the street connects to a series of stacked, offset boxed forms that are positioned for privacy on the east and west sides while glass north walls frame the lake. Landscape platforms cascade to a lake-level terrace and dock.
Riverland Homes, aided by plans from structural engineers with Madden & Baughman Engineering, built the 3,126-square-foot house in 2020 on a steep, narrow lot in the McVey-South Shore neighborhood.
Rezide Modern Homes
Lightshed, a custom modern home with a pragmatic, clean-lined shed roof in Cedar Mill, was designed and built by Rezide Modern Homes to highlight the landscape.
The 14-foot-wide cantilevered roof line creates a cover to the outdoor kitchen and al fresco entertaining spaces.
The 4,150-square-foot dwelling, completed this year, has a dining area with a two-story wall of glass. Midcentury-modern design inspired the interior slat walls and privacy-providing clerestory windows.
The design-build firm specializes in employing organic materials that relate to the natural surroundings to “make the elemental part of everyday life,” according to the firm’s principals Dave Williams and Paula Tin Nyo.
UPDATED: Information on one of the homes has been removed since it is no longer on the tour.
— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072
jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman
Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
More on Oregon homes and places:
• Oregon’s midcentury modern developer Robert Rummer, 95, says he’s ready to build again
• Architect’s well-preserved midcentury modern home in SW Portland is for sale at $1,795,000
• Modern homes remain popular in Portland and other creative hubs
• How exterior paint color trends are shifting in the Northwest, embracing the mood
• Factory-made and ADU kit homes are popping up in Portland-area backyards
Ad Choices