Fennell Residence in Portland, Oregon by Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Article source: Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Approaching the Fennell Residence from a dock on the Willamette River, you first notice the sweep of curved glue-laminated beams balance with the rich hue of exposed Western Red Cedar shingles in curvilinear patterns and copper roofing.

The wave-like motions of this East elevation are simple reflections of the interior spaces, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

• Architects: Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect
• Project: Fennell Residence
• Location: Portland, Oregon, US
• Software used: MicroStation
• Structural engineer: TKSE Consulting Engineers
• General contractor: Even Construction
• Gross square footage: 2,153 square feet or 200 square meters
• 1^st floor area: 1,615 square feet or 150 square meters, 2^nd floor area: 753 square feet or 70 square meters
• Float construction: Douglas Fir Logs, steel stringers ~ 6 ½ feet or 2 meters on center.
• Size of structure: 29 ½ feet or 9m  x 69 feet or 21m,  Height: 21 feet or 6.4m
• Mechanical system: Gas, forced air heating. Air conditioning. Wired for internet.

A Southeastern perspective from the public walkway, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

• Exterior materials: Red Cedar shingles, copper roofing, glass
• Interior materials: Brazilian cherry floors, Douglas Fir decking, drywall, glass, granite slab and tiles
• Two Floors
• Finished: Feb 2006

Looking from the public walkway to the private Entrance Passageway, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Inspired by the setting, the house was designed as a series of curves that seem to flow over one another. A glue-laminated beam dives into the floor where you enter a side courtyard, while another breaks overhead. You enter the house and move around the staircase, into a great open living space with a full wall of glass looking out to the river and shore line beyond. This view draws you through a door in the glass wall, where you enjoy a patio on the water.

The Entrance Passageway, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The West elevation from the waterfront floating deck, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The home is filled with natural light that seems to roll down under the curved ceiling and exposed beams, and spill into the living space. Glass fills gaps in the structure, making the building feel light and transparent, with subtle reflections that imply depth. Clerestory windows open to allow natural ventilation. A white interior finish rolls up the east wall and seems to billow like a white sail, and you wonder if the home will catch the wind and take flight.

The West elevation from the waterfront floating deck, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Dining and Kitchen areas with the Master Bedroom lofted above, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The plan of the house is logical, tight, and rectilinear. The client enjoys loft-style living and there are few interior partitions, with the master suite looking over a balcony to the main living space, sharing the view.

Although on the water, you feel no sway. A subtle reminder comes from the swinging of the pendant lights hanging in the kitchen. But this home feels at peace with its setting, it could be nowhere but on the water, and this spiritual sense pervades the entire home.

The Kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and American Cherry cabinetry, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Living Room looking out towards the river, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Dining area looking out towards the river, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

A view from the stairs to the Master Bedroom, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Master Bedroom with a walkthrough closet, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Guest Bedroom with desk and closet, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Guest Bedroom in context to the Entrance Passage way, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The Guest Bedroom in context to the Entrance Passage way, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

A Stair detail displaying the Brazilian Cherry wood used throughout the residence as flooring. The staircase separates the entry from the main living space, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

A Stair detail displaying the Brazilian Cherry wood used throughout the residence as flooring. The staircase separates the entry from the main living space, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Looking through the Master Bathroom out towards the river, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The bathtub and shower, both with a view to the river, separated by a clear glass panel, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

The bathtub and shower separated by a clear glass panel, both with a view to the river, Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Image Courtesy © Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect

Tags: Oregon, US

Categories: Building, House, Microstation, Residential

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