The owners were drawn to this steep hillside property, which backs up against a significant city green space. It also has dramatic westerly views of Rogue Valley vineyards and orchards. With a desire to maintain a smaller footprint, we designed a home that naturally cascades down the hill, which minimizes the impact of a bulky structure yet retains the architectural interest in the layered roofline and provides shade and solar orientation to the south.

Besides the challenge of the severe slope, we wanted to graciously integrate the garage and carport, which were forced to be at the entry and the front of the house. We designed two entries – the main entrance directly off the carport and a mudroom entrance, which leads around the house to an integrated patio and pool within the hillside.

The open floor plan on the main floor, including the open stairwell, creates a larger feel to the intimate living space. The master suite encompasses the upper floor that takes advantage of the southern views and light, while two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open space downstairs accommodates family and guests and provides a welcoming access to the pool and lower patio.

Contractor: The Downey Company
Landscape Architect: Laurie Sager & Associates
Photography: Ben Sager Photography