Hood River house.

Understated Impact. On a picturesque two-acre site on the Westside of Hood River, OR, we designed and built this home for a couple and their new baby. The sloping site and view of Mt. Hood provide a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Portland, just an hour away.

Nestled in the trees to provide protection from summer winds, the house sits comfortably among native plantings and an infinity-edge pond. A deliberately downplayed view of the home from the street leads to bold expressions and views from the interior. Healthy, natural materials set the mood, and high-tech systems provide comfort and efficiency, including radiant floors, solar water and PV panels, and a computer-controlled whole-house electronic system that automatically lowers south- and west-facing curtains on warm days, minimizing solar gain.