Hillside House

Location
Portland, OR

Size
5,252 SF

Believe it or not... it's a remodel.
After the whole house remodel, large windows and sliding glass doors at the back of the house provide a view of Mount Hood.

The owners of this 1940s single-story house were expecting, so they wanted to expand their home to meet the needs of their growing family. The list of ‘needs improvement’ areas included—a small one-car garage, low ceilings in the basement, a compact first-floor layout and minimal second-floor space. A savvy design strategy makes this a masterminded down to the studs remodel. The key to this plan started by digging the basement deeper.

The home after the down to the studs house remodel is three stories tall with a tuck under garage.

In addition to changes below grade, the remodel involved removing everything above the first floor and gutting the remainder of the structure down to the studs. In the end, the home extends upward to include a second floor and occupiable attic.

Before the down to the studs remodel, the former house was only two stories tall with a tuck under garage.
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Before
After
A new chimney made of cut basalt stone was part of the whole house remodel.

A down to the studs remodel is an opportune time to address critical energy-saving ideas.


For example, rainscreen cladding with exterior insulation at the walls provides several benefits. It allows the wall cladding to dry as well as reduces energy leaks. And it allows the mechanical system to be right-sized. At the roof, this strategy starts to look foreign as it inflates the roof edge beyond the expected traditional lines. However, foam insulation, sprayed just underneath the roof deck, solves the problem. Furthermore, this insulating supports the entirety of the building volume. It also prevents some of the leaky spots associated with traditional construction while providing traditional exposed wood-framed eaves.

In addition, a custom flare detail divides the floors in the shingle cladding. This breaks down the perceived height of the structure while adding a lovely shadow line.

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Before
After

A heavy 9/4 (two-inch) window trim suggests traditionally built solid wood windows.


However, the windows are actually modern insulated casements with simulated cottage-style divided lights. The shingle flare detail extends to each window, creating a natural drip that tucks up under the siding.

Casement window with divided lights, cedar shingle siding, custom header detail.

At the rear of the home, custom brackets support an awning. This detail breaks down the scale of the two-story elevation and provides a shaded respite space. If you want to step outside on a rainy day, this protected spot keeps you dry while you take in the breathtaking view of Mt. Hood in the distance.

Custom leaded glass front door and sidelite, painted bright blue.
Craftsman style wall sconces at the sides of garage doors.

The revamped layout supports a large, luxurious kitchen. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances and polished nickel fixtures add a touch of shine. Painted cabinets and crown mouldings complete the look.


The Clayhaus tile backsplash is a tapestry of soothing blues and greens, the client’s favorite collection of colors.

A granite countertop with a custom tile mosaic backsplash was part of the down to the studs remodel.
A kitchen with custom Craftsman flush inset cabinetry was part of the down to the studs remodel.
A wet bar with custom Craftsman flush inset cabinetry was part of the down to the studs remodel.

The delightful tile provides a kaleidoscope detail in the dining room niche.

Gray granite countertop with multi-colored blue mosaic tile ceramic backsplash in kitchen.
Gray granite countertop with stainless steel sink.

Details, details and more details.


The stair design provides the classic white riser-wood tread combo. White oak treads and black iron pickets continue the traditional design.

A dramatic skylight infuses the walk-in shower experience with ambiance—casting fun shadow shapes across the luxurious tile surfaces day and night.

White newel post, black iron balusters, white oak handrail, white oak stair treads.
A skylight over the primary bath shower was part of the down to the studs remodel.
Blue and white arble mosaic tile in shower.

Tile is the design hero in the bathroom—gorgeous tile details everywhere.

Blue and white marble mosaic tile on bathroom floor.
Blue and white marble mosaic tile on bathroom floor.
Blue and white marble mosaic tile on bathroom floor.
Blue and white marble mosaic tile on bathroom floor.
The exterior of Hillside House after the down to the studs remodel.