This project is a masterclass in architectural problem-solving, transforming a disjointed residence into a sophisticated sanctuary for hosting and high-design living. While the original home featured beautiful T&G vaulted ceilings, it was hampered by a fractured layout, wasted square footage, and a total lack of functional dining space. The most significant compromise was the primary suite: a dark, uninspired room with oppressive low ceilings that sat essentially devoid of natural light.
The redesign surgically reconfigured the footprint to establish a better flow and a clear separation between private and public zones. This was achieved by repurposing the former low-ceilinged areas into essential support and transition zones—such as storage, laundry, and the entryway—where soaring height was less critical. The remaining volume was then “flipped” through a bold addition that mirrors the original roof angles and completes the home’s silhouette. This strategic shift relocated the living, kitchen and dining areas to a new wing bathed in natural light, while reclaiming the original vaulted volume for a primary suite that finally enjoys the height and light it previously lacked.
By integrating a new internal connection to the garage and maximizing the previously dormant lot, the home now achieves a harmonious balance of form and utility. This tour offers a rare look at how thoughtful intervention can turn “potential” into a bespoke, light-filled masterpiece.
Images: Jeremy Bitterman
Architect: Observation Studio
Gradient House is an award-winning live-work compound in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood, designed by architect Christopher Brown of Observation Studio and completed in 2020. The project transformed a modest postwar house into a dual-structure campus — a primary residence and a detached studio — united by a shared roof and material palette, framing a courtyard that overlooks the iconic St. Johns Bridge, the Willamette River, and Forest Park.
The design follows the natural topography of the site, maintains the scale of the surrounding neighborhood, and creates strong connections to neighbors and the landscape all while delivering high-end finishes: metal tile roofs, concrete countertops, custom metalwork, and heated tile floors. Sustainable features include a rainwater recycling landscape system and ENERGY STAR construction. The project has received the AIA Oregon Honor Award, the RDAA Residential Design Magazine Honor Award, and the Fay Jones School of Architecture Honor Award, and has been featured in Dezeen, Architectural Record, and Nuvo Magazine.
Images courtesy homeowner / Ashley Realty
Located along the Willamette River in South Portland, Riverfront Haven was reimagined by JHL Design in collaboration with R.S. Wallace as a home centered around music, entertaining, and everyday life along the water. While the setting was undeniable, the house itself felt stuck in the late 1980s, filled with curved walls, glass block, oversized arches, and an excess of skylights. The project became an exercise in transforming a “Miami Vice” aesthetic into a more grounded Northwest modern vernacular.
Rather than fully demo the structure, JHL Design and R.S. Wallace strategically reshaped the home through materiality, restraint, and light. Existing skylights were wood-lined to bring warmth and continuity throughout the interiors, while oak, stone, steel, textured plaster, and layered lighting helped reconnect the home to its natural surroundings. Sculptural fixtures and integrated lighting highlight the custom millwork and architectural details from day to evening.
Visitors touring the home should pay attention to the intentional framing of river views and the balance between the home’s original structure and its complete transformation. Throughout the project, JHL Design and R.S. Wallace focused on creating a home that feels calm, livable, and deeply connected to the Pacific Northwest.
Images: The Morrisons
This project was a 15-year, three-phase journey to revive one of the locally famed mid-century modern ranch homes built by Robert Rummer. MODD was tasked to undo previous unfortunate remodels and bring the home into the 21st century.
Built in 1968, this Rummer faced two major challenges: at least one unfortunate remodel had compromised its mid-century modern integrity, and the original plan chosen for this wide, shallow lot left the interior poorly connected to the adjacent yards. MODD developed and guided a master plan rooted in the home’s original architectural language to refresh the home throughout and better connect the interior spaces to the adjacent yards.
Images: The Morrisons
Architecture & Interior Design: Ment Architecture
Our Tunnelwood project was a full-gut remodel of an outdated mid-century home in SW Portland — one brimming with potential. Every surface was transformed, resulting in a completely new layout, a relocated entryway, three new bathrooms, a custom kitchen, and a meticulously handcrafted white oak picket staircase. We also installed a full European window package, including a stunning 12-foot skylight in the kitchen.
This remodel is quintessentially Durham Construction, showcasing our love for high-quality, clean design.
Images courtesy Luke & Mallory Leasure
Laurel + Wood is a cultural drop—timed with the Modern Homes Tour!
Designed for real life (the good kind)
Temp Images Virtually Staged Courtesy Twine Design
Architect & Developer: Mark Holmquist / Adret Architecture
Builder: Taylorsmith Sustainable Construction
Stretching the possibilities of a narrow 5,000 sf vacant lot in the Alberta Arts District, Oblique is a testament to Portland’s recent zoning code reforms. Designed and developed by Mark Holmquist, the project reimagines and elevates the townhouse typology, balancing sculptural form, environmental performance, and spatial choreography. It was recently recognized as a finalist at the AIA San Francisco Design Awards, reflecting a rigorous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Carved as if from a single block of cedar, the homes slip past one another to create two distinct identities and experiences. A series of geometric sleights of hand maximize southern exposure, conceal plentiful storage, and acoustically decouple the structures. Cascading porch steps and a dramatic cantilever offer a contemporary interpretation of Portland’s bungalow vernacular. Inside, the compressed entry sequence gives way to light-filled volumes organized around a gossamer stair suspended from the roof.
Guided by a commitment to passive house principles, the homes are exceptionally energy efficient and, thanks in part to integrated rooftop solar and triple-pane windows, achieve near net-zero performance.
As a bonus for the tour, Oblique Gallery was conceived as a means to celebrate the work of five local artists while activating the second of the two townhouses, adding an inspiring, creative dimension for tour goers and further highlighting the architecture. Artists include David W Simpson, Mia Farrington, Chris Cassimatis and Brittany Venner.
Images: Mark Holmquist
This home is also referred to as the “Facet House” due to the interesting angular shapes we achieved with the form. Much of the finishes in the home contain reclaimed wood from the 100 year old home that was on the lot originally and was meticulously taken apart piece by piece. This material was mixed with FSC certified lumber from Sustainable Northwest Woods to create it’s modern PNW aesthetic. Maximizing day-lighting and create warm livable spaces were main goals of the design. We also wanted to break down the barriers between inside & outside while still maintaining a sense of security and privacy on a tight, typical Portland lot.
Historic siding choices were made to help this home blend well with the mature Sellwood neighborhood, but used in ways that keep the design contemporary. The modern interiors are cozy, but also include large spaces for entertaining groups of family, friends and neighbors.
Images: Pete Eckert Photography
A deeper focus on some of our outstanding 2026 Tour homes.
Join us on Sunday, June 7th as we continue the 2026 PDX Modern Home Tour in Oregon’s Wine Country.
VIP Ticket required. VIP Ticket includes Main Saturday Tour plus:
Images: top – courtesy Rick Potestio, bottom – courtesy Corollary
Continue your Tour Day on Saturday with this after-tour reception/meet-up featuring a signature “RUMmer” drink, and more!
