A new backyard ADU that takes a little different approach to achieving a small footprint. The ADU makes use of the ability to build within the required setbacks. This section of the code has strict height restrictions so the ADU has been sunken to allow for two full stories. This maximizes the amount of yard space and minimizes the building footprint. The ADU features concrete floors, juniper siding from Northwest Sustainable Wood, exposed structural wood decking and accent walls made from wood which was reclaimed from the former garage on site.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
SIZE
650 SF
STATUS
Completed Fall 2018
CONTRACTOR
Dave Rush
A new apartment complex offering 57 units across a number of unit types. The project navigates complex terrain and site challenges while preserving a large portion of the property to remain as forested hillside.
LOCATION
Tigard, OR
STATUS
Permitting
This project began with an ADU but ended up growing to become a rethinking of the entire 5,000 sf site. The project needed to accommodate the clients' growing family as well as visiting family, work and rental opportunities, in addition to providing a place of reprieve, just a block away from the heart of Alberta. The detached ADU can be seen on our Alberta Arts ADU page.
LOCATION
Alberta Arts District | Portland, OR
STATUS
Completed 2017
CONTRACTOR
Ethan Beck Homes
CONSULTANTS
Interior Design - Introspecs LLC
A new residence on Sauvie Island, which includes a garage/workshop and dining pavillion. The house is formed by a series of gable roof forms which sit on top of a daylight basement plinth. The daylight basement is set in the foundation of a previous house which sat on the property.
Expansive views across rolling farmland are balanced with connection to the outdoors via exterior living spaces at two levels.
LOCATION
Sauvie Island | Portland, OR
STATUS
Permitting
Co-Designer
Kim Hagstette - Maven Interiors Co.
Berkeley 6 creates six new townhouse units on a lot the size of a typical single family residence. These units all include ground floor entries and private outdoor areas at ‘starter home’ price points.
LOCATION
Portsmouth Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
6 new 2-bedroom, 2-bath homes
STATUS
Completed 2019
CONTRACTOR
Ethan Beck Homes
INTERIORS
Teal Davison
A new residence on a steeply sloping site with sweeping views of the gorge, Columbia river, and attendant bridges. This project presented a variety of challenges ranging from restrictive zoning, property covenants, and techincal issues stemming from the topography. The floor plan creates an opportunity for all living spaces to face the river. A 16’ accordian folding door assembly allows for seamless connection between the indoors and the large terrace. The terrace is inset and partially covered, providing vital shelter from the gorge winds and heat lamps for truely four season enjoyment of the space. Height restrictions limited opportunities for south light but a large ‘lantern’ with 360 degree windows, brings in ample natural light while connecting the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The home is surrounded by scrub oak forrest and multiple stacked balconies allow for covered outdoor terraces at every level of the home.
LOCATION
Hood River, OR
STATUS
Completed 2020
CONTRACTOR
Kor Harrison
This project aimed to transform a dark attached garage into a light-filled, fully functional, ADU. There were many constraints on this project the greatest of which was the extremely limited size. Through a focus on natural and exposed structural materials, the design strove to make use of all possibly available space. The stair had to be a very transparent element in order to maximize southern light in the lower floor.
LOCATION
Concordia Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
355 SF (245 SF ground floor + 110 SF loft)
STATUS
Completed 2015
CONTRACTOR
environs LLC
A new custom home in Oregon City, Oregon. More images to come.
LOCATION
Oregon City, OR
SIZE
3,600 SF
STATUS
Under Construction
CONTRACTOR
Northwest Craftsman
A new townhouse community in the heart of Hood River.
LOCATION
Hood River, OR
SIZE
6 new townhomes (3 buildings)
STATUS
Completed Fall 2018
BUILDER
Ethan Beck Homes
A unique project in the Mississippi Conservation District which preserves an existing neighborhood home while adding innovative community based density. Three new homes w/ individual bedroom suites are centered around shared outdoor spaces. The existing house provides shared amenities and gathering areas.
This project is a collaboration with Owen Gabbert LLC and OpenDoor.
LOCATION
N Portland, OR
SIZE
3 new homes + 1 existing home
STATUS
Completed 2019
BUILDER
Owen Gabbert LLC
A new 2 bedroom, 1 bath ADU on a slightly larger than average lot. Sustainable features include exterior insulation, an ducted ERV, and natural finish materials such as aluminum shingle roofing and stained cedar siding. A compact plan provides a vaulted central space lit by skylights which is encircled by the stair and a catwalk which provides access to the bedrooms at either end of the roof. Structural materials were exposed throughout including structural wood floors, ceilings and exposed concrete slab.
Failing St ADU - Part 1 was built concurrently and directly adjacent to this ADU.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
800 SF
CONTRACTOR
Swan Building Inc / Schuyler Smith
A new co-living project envisioned to create a community within the frame work of traditional residential zoning. The project consists of two mirrored halves on two adjacent standard sized city lots (5,000sf ea). Each half of the project has a new home and attached ADU. A central courtyard is created between the two L-shaped buildings which is flanked by common covered outdoor areas at two levels. The project works to provide plenty of opportunities for both gathering and privacy.
This project is a collaboration with Orange Splot LLC and OpenDoor.
LOCATION
NE Portland, OR
SIZE
2 new homes + 2 new ADUs
STATUS
Completed 2019
BUILDER
Orange Splot LLC
The client wanted to explore the possibility of constructing a new ADU and detached studio space on a steeply sloped, densely vegetated site. The area of construction is bounded by a retaining wall on the upper slope - supporting the yard above - and a street front at the lower slope. Our solution was to celebrate the topography by creating a structure that also serves as an extension of the surrounding landscape. First, a linear bar burrows into the hillside, merging with the existing topography. The excavated footprint is in turn relocated to the roof, where it integrates with the landscape and blurs the distinction between built and natural. Finally, stairs descend from the upper retaining wall and enter through the roof onto a shared terrace that bisects the studio and the ADU. The stairs maintain the cadence of the descending hillside and continue down to a parking pad bounded by new retaining walls.
LOCATION
SW Hills Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
ADU: 750 SF
Studio: 225 SF
STATUS
Design
A unique project where the main house was set far back on property so that the ADU could be sited in front of it. It was a requirement of the project that enough room be left over for a generous driveway and passage back to the main house. The solution was a split-level layout which allowed the ADU to encroach into the side setback but still contain enough space for a discrete bedroom, kitchen, and living spaces.
LOCATION
Concordia Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
575 SF
CONTRACTOR
Root Down LLC / Adam Gross
This project is located in the fast developing Central Eastside, along the historic E Burnside corridor. The project contains ground floor retail, multi-level structured parking, office space, residential units and a roof deck. The project lies within the portion of E. Burnside which contains several buildings with pedestrian arcades and 7th & Burnside continues that tradition with a two story arcade containing office uses. The material palette for the project includes brick, cast-in-place concrete, and metal panels.
LOCATION
Portland, OR
STATUS
Design Review
A new house with sweeping forest and river views in the heart of Portland’s Overlook neighborhood.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
STATUS
Permit
A pair of new homes on steeply sloped sites on the west side of Mt. Tabor.
LOCATION
Mt. Tabor | Portland, OR
STATUS
Completed 2018
CONTRACTOR
Ethan Beck Homes
A national housing non-profit selected Polyphon to design 16 affordable townhouses in King City, OR. The two-story homes are to have individual lots that flank a common open space on three sides, and are to be designed as net-zero ready structures. Our proposal rests on several key values. We seek to establish a dignified design that simultaneously lends itself to private space and communal living. Moreover, our proposal is to be designed using traditional building techniques and details ideal for volunteer construction crews, while generating a modern aesthetic and unique composition. Finally, the offset, sawtooth roof form maximizes southern and western sun exposure to be suited for installing future solar arrays.
LOCATION
King City, OR
SIZE
20,600 SF
STATUS
Design
This small family home strives to show that ADU/tiny house ideas can be scaled up and applied to a family home. Features include a planted (eco) roof, hydronic radiant floor heating, exposed wood structure, clay plaster walls and charred cedar rain-screen siding. The open plan includes a large bedroom loft, a downstairs bedroom, large pantry, entry wall and utility/storage loft.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
950 SF
STATUS
Completed 2016
Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the project is a two-story, wood-framed structure with an attached garage, outdoor pool, and detached pool house. Constructed in a contemporary northwest style, the house features a double-height living space with maximal views to the open fields and rolling hills beyond. A grand stone chimney accommodates two side-by-side fireplaces facing in opposite directions, one towards the living room and one towards the dining room. A third fireplace is located on an outdoor terrace on the second floor overlooking the pool and surrounding landscape. The pool and hot tub are surrounded by concrete planters containing varied vegetation, creating a harmony amongst landscape and hardscape.
LOCATION
Hood River, OR
SIZE
5,500 SF
STATUS
Construction
CONTRACTOR
Ethan Beck Homes
This apartment project was a mix of new and old on a sloped site in SE Portland. Half of an existing four-plex was refurbished while three new buildings were added to the site with a wide range of unit types. Surface parking and private garages are also included on-site. The four buildings center around a common courtyard with a fire pit, grill and bike repair station. The units are laid out so that there is no common interior circulation which allows for less maintenance for the owner and each unit has a better sense of place with its own front door.
LOCATION
Creston-Kenilworth | Portland, OR
DEVELOPER
Green Light Development
CONTRACTOR
Edge Development
A new ADU tucked onto the corner of a Cully flag lot. Sustainable features include a PV solar array, exterior insulation, an ERV, and natural finish materials such as aluminum shingle roofing and stained cedar siding.
Failing St ADU - Part 2 was built concurrently and adjacent to this ADU.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
500 SF + 120 SF storage loft
CONTRACTOR
Swan Building Inc / Schuyler Smith
A new ADU over a new garage and detached bedroom on the ground floor. The distinct program spurred us to create a "plinth" for the lower level, upon which the ADU rests. Two gabled cabins cantilever off the plinth, with the larger cabin containing public functions of living, dining, and kitchen, while the smaller cabin contains private functions of bedroom and bathroom. These spaces are mediated by a central "courtyard", or a partially covered deck that unifies the two cabins. The cabins are cantilevered beyond the footprint to maximize living space up to the code allowance, and vaulted via scissor trusses to provide maximal ceiling height. Strong western and southern solar exposure prompted us to place windows generously throughout to maximize light and warmth.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
SIZE
1375 SF
STATUS
Construction
CONTRACTOR
environs LLC
The Thompson 6 is a new townhouse project creating six units at price points which are quickly disappearing in much of the city. These units all provide ground floor entries from the street.
LOCATION
Hollywood Area | Portland, OR
SIZE
6 new townhomes; 9,000 SF
STATUS
Under Construction
This house was a lesson in not judging a book by its cover. A humble ranch-style house with some amazing original interior elements, on a big Cully neighborhood lot. We worked closely with the clients to redesign the house to maintain the key original interior finishes but give it a contemporary layout with enough space for their growing family. The project consisted of a garage conversion, the addition of two new single level wings, as well as extensive interior remodeling and upgrades.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
STATUS
Completed 2016
CONTRACTOR
Dave Rush Construction
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Landline Design
These two new, attached, single-family homes are located on a corner lot in the Humboldt neighborhood of Portland. Each unit of the three story wood-framed structure is approximately 2,600 SF and has a prominent covered terrace connected to the main living area. The ground floor of each unit is arranged so it can be split off as an ADU with it’s own exterior entry, or used as a suite as part of the home. The main living spaces are elevated to the middle level to provide better privacy from the street. Extruded wing walls feature prominently on the structure's three gables and are accented with vertical cedar slats.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
SIZE
Unit 1: 2,600 SF
Unit 2: 2,600 SF
STATUS
Completed
CLIENT | CONTRACTOR
Milk and Honey Investments
Set in a quaint and idyllic backyard surrounded by various gardens and vegetation, this ADU in North Tabor envisions a structure deeply in tune with its surroundings. The client's programmatic requirements prompted us to implement a "green" shed roof that gently slopes up towards the landscape, with private functions at the roof's lower end and public functions at the high end. A large partially covered patio overlooks the yard, and exposed beams imbue a rustic character germane to the setting.
LOCATION
North Tabor Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
ADU: 625 SF + Garage
STATUS
Design
This inner-city, mixed-use project is located in the hub of the lively Central Eastside neighborhood with 70 market rate apartment units, on-site residential parking and over 7000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space.
Schuyler Smith was the Design Architect and Ryan Austin was the Project Architect for this project while working at Vallaster Corl Architects, PC.
LOCATION
Portland, OR
ARCHITECT
Vallaster Corl Architects, PC.
SIZE
68,000 SF
STATUS
Completed Fall 2012
The project consists of a new one bedroom, one bathroom ADU with a living area, dining area, kitchen, and storage loft. The existing house on the property is unique with a steeply pitched roof as its primary form. We leaned into this distinctive style and adopted it for the detached ADU, complemented with some more modern expressions. Abundant light and natural finishes permeate the space. The space is planned to be used as a rental so careful placement of the windows was key to provide abundant natural light while protecting the privacy of the house and neighbors.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
640 SF
STATUS
Under Construction
CONTRACTOR
Root Down Woodworking LLC
This new building houses a wood shop/garage at ground level and a studio and roof deck above. The building has been split into two forms to decrease the size of the building mass and also to create additional outdoor spaces above and below the forms. The owners wanted a two story space in order to preserve limited backyard area but did not want an imposing two story structure that would dominate the rest of the yard space. The new structure and outdoor areas had to be tightly interwoven with the existing deck and yard to maximize the usefulness of the limited space.
LOCATION
SE | Portland, OR
SIZE
700 SF
STATUS
Completed 2015
CONTRACTOR
environs LLC
For this new single-family house and ADU in Hood River, we sought to integrate the new program with the existing site. To negotiate the slope, we allowed the topography to define the structural datums - the second floor serves as the point of entry for the main house on the south, street-facing side, while the first floor serves the ADU and acts as the point of entry for the north, nature-facing side. A third story, which serves the bedrooms of the main house, gives vantage to the surrounding landscape. A shed roofs cap the bedrooms and slope up to the west, bringing in plentiful light and views. The top floor extends out to provide protected outdoor areas for the two living areas below. These two decks function as all-season outdoor ‘rooms’ which capture the gorge views and are integrated into the living spaces.
LOCATION
Hood River, OR
SIZE
House: 2,900 SF
ADU: 780 SF
STATUS
Completed 2021
BUILDER
Ethan Beck Homes
A backyard treehouse inspired by the super-light construction techniques of baskets and boats. All the wood for the project was re-purposed or reclaimed scrap material.
LOCATION
Cully Neighborhood | Portland, OR
This ADU lies within the City of Portland’s Irvington Historic District and was required to be approved through the Design Review process. The ADU was constructed to allow three generations to live together on the property. It is all on a single level to allow for the ability to age-in-place. It contains two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The detailing of the ADU matches the main house which is considered a historic resource.
LOCATION
Irvington Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
750 SF
STATUS
Completed 2017
CONTRACTOR
Hammer & Hand
INTERIOR DESIGN
Introspecs LLC
An ADU with an artist’s loft in the Arbor Lodge Park neighborhood, the space was built to accommodate the owner’s parents. The unit is a large gable form with an arm that extends out to hold a living space overlooking the backyard.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
SIZE
770 SF
STATUS
Under Construction
CONTRACTOR
environs LLC
After wrapping up our Liberty St ADU project, a neighboring homeowner with a similar garage configuration approached us. The result is our Liberty St Ver. 2 ADU. While many elements are similar, site variations called for a slightly different approach. The kitchen is oriented to face the street providing an active connection between the space and the street. In an effort to make the best use of the limited space, we created a bed platform on the second floor which allows for higher ceiling and window heights on the lower floor.
LOCATION
Concordia Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
355 SF (245 SF ground floor + 110 SF loft)
STATUS
Completed 2017
CONTRACTOR
environs LLC
Four new three-story homes, each with four bedrooms, 2-4 bathrooms, open living/dining/kitchen spaces, and prominent outdoor spaces that are directly connected to the main living areas.
LOCATION
Mt. Tabor Neighborhood | Portland, OR
STATUS
Completed 2021
This little house was designed as a mother-in-law unit and functions as a largely self-sufficient bedroom suite with a kitchenette. Compact and efficient spaces paired with rich, reclaimed materials lend this small space a sense of expansiveness while maintaining privacy.
LOCATION
NE | Portland, OR
SIZE
200 SF
STATUS
Completed Spring 2010
You can read a more in depth account of this project on AccessoryDwellings.org
The Concordia ADU is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath ADU built on a small footprint. It has an open plan ground floor with double height ceilings that open to the stairs and loft bedroom. The project is small but went to two stories in order to maximize yard area and capture views of Mt. St. Helens. A key to this project was proper siting to allow the project the possibility of being rented out without sacrificing the privacy of the main house.
LOCATION
Concordia Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
470 SF (320 SF + 150 SF loft)
STATUS
Completed
CONTRACTOR
Green Hammer
You can stay over in this project by booking through Air BnB. Check out "Casa Paloma" on Air BnB's website.
A new 2 bedroom, 1 bath studio for a young family. This studio was designed with maximum flexibility in mind. The two bedrooms are connected via a hallway which contains a work counter, bathroom and storage loft. The layout lends itself to future conversion to and ADU if desired. The project sought to preserve as many trees as possible and to provide as a low cost solution for the family’s needs.
LOCATION
Reed Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
450 SF
CONTRACTOR
Swan Building Inc.
This owner occupied ADU was created for a couple who wanted to be able to live in a space fitted to their lifestyle. The ADU also allowed them to rent out the main house on the property. Some features of the ADU include a utility room, office nook at the upper stair landing and lower stair landing which doubles as a bench for the entry. The stair way also doubles as a library with integrated shelving. The exterior of the ADU is clad in stained cedar lap siding.
LOCATION
SE | Portland, OR
SIZE
690 SF
STATUS
Completed 2016
CONTRACTOR
Owen Gabbert LLC
This ADU is part of a whole lot redevelopment which includes a new custom home developed at the same time. The homeowners were looking for maximum flexibility so the ground floor can function as an age-in-place suite.
LOCATION
Alberta Arts District | Portland, OR
SIZE
800 SF ADU
STATUS
Completed 2017
CONTRACTOR
Ethan Beck Homes
The client for this project wanted to build a space for himself behind an existing rental house that he owns. The ADU consists of a bedroom, bathroom, and office lofted over a open kitchen and living space. There is also a large bike storage and repair area attached. The design focuses on openness, ample day light and exposing structural materials such as the polished concrete slab and exposed wood beams and decking of the loft which doubles as the ceiling over the kitchen.
LOCATION
King Neighborhood | Portland, OR
SIZE
750 SF ADU + 150 SF bike garage
STATUS
Completed 2013
CONTRACTOR
Jacob Lee Avery
This new ADU replaces an existing storage garage and serves a number of functions. It provides a usable garage with large bike storage area and it creates a 2 bedroom 1.5 bath ADU with a roof deck which faces south and provides a private patio which completes an upstairs master suite. The ADU has a modern design language but works within the new guidelines for ADUs which do not match the existing house. The ADU focuses on both the connection of indoor/outdoor space as well as natural light.
LOCATION
N | Portland, OR
SIZE
800 SF ADU + 500 SF garage
STATUS
Permitted
CONTRACTOR
Owen Gabbert LLC
A new custom home in Parkdale Oregon.
STATUS
Permitting
This project involved a number of renovations to the existing house on the property but the keystone of the project was a new ADU. The ADU worked within the new City of Portland code which allows for ADUs and other accessory structures to sit within the required building setbacks. The design prioritized flexibility of the space for future uses and a palette of natural materials including ground faced CMU, a green roof, exposed wood beams and stained wood siding.
LOCATION
SE | Portland, OR
SIZE
440 SF
STATUS
Design
CONTRACTOR
Hammer & Hand
At the gateway to downtown St.John's, Jersey6 is a new townhouse project creating six units at price points which are quickly disappearing in much of the city. These units all provide ground floor entries and private outdoor areas. The challenges of this project include Type II Design Review, balancing density with the context of the neighborhood while keeping construction and materials simple and long-lasting
LOCATION
St John's | Portland, OR
SIZE
6 new homes
STATUS
Under Construction
