Wise Design, Sasquatch Architecture, and Clarkbuilt (now Owen Gabbert) were tasked with the renovation of a 1918 house in the historic Laurelhurst Park neighborhood of Portland, OR. Extensive fire damage exposed during demolition led to the entire house taken down to the studs. The project entailed a comprehensive renovation of all four floors, including the addition of an outdoor area with a covered patio, pool, sauna, cold plunge and an outdoor shower.

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The design approach aimed to strike a balance between our clients’ desire for an open concept house and the original Colonial Revival architecture. The floor plan was redesigned to connect adjoining spaces on the main level. Thickened walls with cased openings were designed to create separation between spaces, while maintaining visibility and a sense of openness. In the living room, this translated into new floor to ceiling bookshelves flanking the opening between the living room and den. Beautiful carpets from Kush Rugs were featured in the living room, dining and entry. In the foyer, two custom entry cabinets were added as clever storage solutions for shoes and coats. New hutch style cabinets in the dining room were designed to display stemware and collections from our client’s travels.

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The original kitchen was dark and closed off to the rest of the house as well as the backyard. The rear facade was opened up with a series of sliding kitchen windows and patio doors increasing site lines to the back yard/pool. In contrast to the home’s architecture, the backyard incorporates modern materials including concrete, steel, and vertical cedar siding. The kitchen serves as the physical and aesthetic transition point between the contemporary exterior and the historic interior. The openings on the rear facade infused a modern spin on the traditional gridded Colonial profile. The kitchen’s sleek windows and doors, with a black finish and minimal mullions, compliment the modern exterior while paying homage to the original character of the home.

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The primary suite was reconfigured to increase the circulation between the office as well as create a new walk-in closet and luxurious primary bath. A new hall laundry closet was also carved into the stairwell landing, making it easily accessible for the rest of the house. New custom closet systems were added in all bedrooms as well as gorgeous historic patterned mosaic floors in each of the three remaining bathrooms.

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Published in: Oregon Home Magazine

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Photos by Meagan Larsen

Architecture: Sasquatch Architecture

Landscaping: Blueprint Earth

Contractor: Owen Gabbert / Clarkbuilt

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