Mt. Tabor A.D.U.

This project is the most satisfying I've done so far on my own. My contact Mike Banker, who has referred me to nearly all my side jobs, called me about this project a couple of years ago.

Initially, this project was to be a main level complete remodel with no additions. However, the couple decided the plan didn't meet their space goals and it wasn't financially feasible. Mike called me in the spring of 2011 to tell me the project was back on and that it was now going to be an Accessory Dwelling Unit addition to the original house.

Program-wise it's pretty simple. They wanted a one bedroom space that had a small kitchenette with room for storing cold dark microbrews, a bath, living space, storage and a large outdoor patio that was partially covered from the weather and the rising sun in the east. The form was to be a shed with vaulted ceilings throughout the interior. Clerestory windows and two smaller 'green' roofs were also asked for, one for the small roof at the patio and one for the garden shed. The patio and stairs, as well as the separate entry stairs, were all to be site-poured concrete.

The couple also wanted the A.D.U. to be at the same level as the main floor of the existing residence, which is about 3'-0" above grade. A separate entry to the A.D.U. is on the north side of the addition if the homeowners decide to rent the unit in the future.

Southeast Portland interior kitchen

My contractor friend Mike Banker, who has used me to do permit drawings for a few remodels over the years, had another small job in SE Portland. The homeowner wanted her kitchen to open up to her dining room as well as having the entire kitchen plan reconfigured.

Residential Remodel NE Portland

A couple that I know from Cleveland and are living here in PDX wanted some interior work done to enlarge their own main level bedroom and add a master bath, add a larger bathroom upstairs for their growing children, and reconfigure the two bedrooms to accommodate a larger sitting/hanging area for them at the front of the house that also has access to a balcony. Construction documents posted here are only partial.

Shipping Container Fantasy House

Years ago I had the idea that shipping containers welded together would make for a great, and maybe inexpensive, way to create housing while at the same time finding a use for the containers that reach the end of their usefulness. With openings cut for windows and transitions from one room to another, as well as furring-out walls in order to insulate and other amenities like roofs, skylights and decks, it has evidently become a building-block that has been discovered by the design community.

HOUSING COMPETITION, 2007

PORTLAND COURTYARD HOUSING COMPETITION

In 2007, the City of Portland invited architects from around the world to share ideas on the design possibilities of housing oriented to shared courtyards. Portland is promoting courtyard housing as an additional infill housing type that can provide a quality living environment at densities higher than conventional detached housing.

I was a member of a 5-person team from LRS Architects that submitted an entry. We received a commendation for our efforts, out of over 250 entries from around the world. You can see the other entries here: http://www.courtyardhousing.org/about.html