BEND RESIDENCE

A new custom home in Bend, Oregon, designed for a young family on a large undeveloped property with sweeping views of Smith Rock to the north. The site presented a clear organizing principle from the outset: a mature juniper tree near the approach that the clients were determined to preserve, which inspired a courtyard arrival sequence that makes the tree a defining feature of the home - experienced by every visitor, on every visit.

Nestled into a sloping site north of Bend, the home takes advantage of natural topography to create a design that feels both elevated and rooted in place. Visitors arrive at the upper level, entering through a sheltered courtyard that frames the preserved juniper before the home opens toward sweeping northern views. The main living spaces extend over a daylit lower floor that's partially embedded into the hillside, keeping the profile low while maximizing the spatial experience within.

The architecture is guided by restraint and efficiency. A pair of intersecting gable roof forms organizes the plan into clear functional zones - a simple geometry that's economical to build and well suited to the terrain. The exterior palette is muted, durable, and quietly textured, allowing the structure to settle into its surroundings while responding to Bend's high-desert climate.

Inside, white oak flooring and millwork bring a consistent warmth throughout, contrasting with dark brick at the fireplace, where built-in seating defines the heart of the living area. A large skylight washes the space in daylight, and an operable glass wall opens the living room fully to the exterior, extending daily life into the landscape. Together, these moves create a balance of simplicity, warmth, and openness - an environment designed for both connection and calm.