Two-story modern house with large windows and dark wood paneling, surrounded by trees and a landscaped front yard.

House On 36th

Architect: Beebe Skidmore Architects
Photographer: Jeremy Bittermann / JBSA

  • Remodels take many shapes and forms for various reasons. To meet the needs of the clients, this project became a remodel in the most extreme form. The existing foundation, along with the main floor structure and some of the walls were salvaged and upgraded. The second floor, previously a converted attic, had to be upgraded to be habitable and to integrate the large beams that allow that floor to cantilever out from the area below.

    By the time the design was finalized, not much remained of the original home, allowing for consistency of finishes across the house. New prefinished Oak floors run through all the rooms, except for bathrooms, which all have new tile floors and contemporary fixtures. White windows and doors are trimless with sheetrock returns and a very minimal base to keep the inside details as clean and simple as possible.

    A new addition, to facilitate a larger kitchen and new mudroom, extends towards the rear of the property. The continuous roof line slopes away from the main house and steps down toward the very rear to accommodate a storage space. The new kitchen was designed to the specifications of the owner, an avid chef, but it does not trade appearance for function – custom painted inset cabinetry is capped by a honed Caesarstone countertop with a stainless, multifunction sink, and a matching hood surround floats above the cooktop.

    The exterior bears little semblance to the original cottage. It is boldly modern, but not imposing, as the building maintains the two-story vernacular of the neighborhood. The second story, by virtue of the structural upgrades outlined above, floats out from the corners with massive windows into each of the upstairs bedrooms. Large sections of glazing contrast with the natural, stained, vertical cedar siding, which provides texture and balance to the overall composition.

    In the end, creative reuse of existing elements, not as clearly exhibited as in other remodels, revived a house that by all other measures would appear to be brand new and perfectly built to the needs and vision of the clients.

  • AIA Oregon Citation Award (2020). Read more about the project on Business Tribune and Dezeen.

Modern house exterior with dark wood cladding, rectangular windows, sliding glass door, concrete steps, outdoor furniture, and potted plants.
Modern patio with a family walking, surrounded by trees and a street view.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, island, bar stools, large windows, and sliding glass door opening to garden.
A modern living room with a gray sectional sofa, decorative pillows, and a small table with a plant. Large windows provide a view of a red truck driving by outside, and a person approaching the glass door. Another person is partially visible on a sta
Modern interior with open-plan design featuring a minimalist kitchen, dining area, and staircase; natural light from windows and skylight.
Modern kitchen with large island, overhead shelf, and sliding glass doors. A person stands at the sink looking upward, while two others look down from a balcony or upper floor. Sunlight illuminates the space. Contemporary decor and neutral colors.
Modern living room with a gray sofa, colorful geometric rug, small side table, and wall-mounted TV. A bedroom is visible through a doorway.
Man sitting in a modern chair by a large window, reading a magazine. A wooden desk with a tablet and a plant is nearby, and shelves hold books. The window overlooks a tree and greenery outside.
Modern black-clad house with large windows, illuminated interior, and wooden paneling. Large glass window displays living area inside. Exterior garden with plants and walkway.
Modern two-story house with dark wooden exterior and large illuminated windows, surrounded by trees and plants, viewed at dusk.
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