For a young couple from the Bay Area the notion of owning some property and moving their small but burgeoning family up to Oregon was a long-standing dream. After months of searching they finally found the perfect 5-acre farmstead already equipped with a robust vegetable garden, small vineyard, mature oak trees, barn and 1900s-built guest cabin. The only shortcoming was the 1980s-built primary house which (as a spec house) lacked character, comfortable outdoor spaces, and enough space for the growing family.

After a robust design and discovery process, the end solution included a modern and energy efficient cedar-clad addition on each side of the house forming a new cross-shaped house layout with courtyards being formed in each of the four corners - one of which became the home to a new immaculately crafted redwood-built greenhouse. The primary addition included a new living room that maximized the northern views of Mount Adams, a dining area, and a small study - all with an American Clay interior finish. The other addition included two new bedrooms, a bathroom (with American Clay finished shower) and laundry room.