The Atria House is located on a narrow infill lot behind the owner's main house off of Terwilliger Boulevard, a busy road in southwest Portland. A simple plan elevates the void space created by intersecting forms to occupiable space with modules organized around private courtyards and turnaround spaces for forward egress onto Terwilliger. The client wished to develop the site responsibly: to increase the density of the site while maintaining the character of the existing neighborhood fabric. Rather than build a large, single-family home, we created a modest main house with an attached ADU (or studio space) that would give the owner flexibility over time.
Despite being on a busy road, the house feels private, with circulation, mechanical equipment, and storage along the exterior, allowing the interior to open up. Living spaces are linked to one another with light-filled atria and create a sense of connection between floors and a sense of privacy from the world outside. The ample daylight makes artificial lighting somewhat unnecessary. Framed views from the bedrooms and living spaces connect the occupants to the landscape.
By selecting locally sourced cedar siding and natural material finishes, the home creates an inviting atmosphere for the residents and settles into the neighborhood. Choosing drought-tolerant plants helps contribute toward a lower maintenance landscape for the owner and residents.
Type: Residential Single-Family/Dual-Family
Location: Portland, Oregon
Client: Private
Status: Completed September 2022
Credits
Builder: Sinclair Construction
Landscape Architect: Prato, Connie Migliazzo
Photos by Jeremy Bittermann (1-6) and Lara Swimmer (7-12)