Houzz Tour: Multigenerational Living With Privacy for All

Photos by Lincoln Barbour unless otherwise noted

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: An executive at an apparel company, her partner, her daughter and her mother
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 3,000 square feet (279 square meters); three bedrooms, two bathrooms
Architect: Dangermond Keane Architecture

The homeowner hired architect Chris Keane to help renovate the new level and connect it to the two existing levels. The main goal of the project was to create new bedrooms and living space for the homeowner’s mother (the grandmother) and her daughter.

The grandmother’s new 10-by-12-foot bedroom was positioned under the soaring ceiling. “It is a very close family,” Keane says. “The grandmother is the pillar of the family. She also provided the child care for the daughter for years.”

Large custom-made walnut sliding doors allow the room to be either opened up or shuttered for privacy.

Doors and built-ins throughout the loft: Rainier Pacific Development

The century-old City Lofts building was once the headquarters of Eoff Electric Supply.

BEFORE: A previous renovation to the main floor of the original two-level condo included the construction of a cubicle featuring two bedrooms, one for the daughter on top and one for the grandmother below. The staircase behind the bedrooms led to the master suite on the second level.

While the installation solved some issues, as time passed, both the daughter and the grandmother desired more space and privacy.

BEFORE: So, four years ago, when a 1,200-square-foot condo, shown here, below her loft became available, the homeowner didn’t hesitate to buy it. After the purchase, she enlisted Keane and his team to navigate her through the process of annexing the new space and creating a much larger residence, nearly twice the size of her former home.

The main plan for the project was to create new bedrooms and living spaces for the grandmother and her young daughter, who was 9 at the time, and blend together the three levels. They also wanted to include the existing classic details, such as the brick walls, fir beams, 16-foot ceilings, oak floors and steel-framed windows found in the new level.

“It was also important for the client to have a home that promised cohesion between the generations but also honored each person’s need for sanctuary,” Keane says.

Photo by Chris Keane

AFTER: The original kitchen was gutted as part of the renovation. New white appliances and Ikea cabinets were installed.

A row of shelves was carved into the wall adjacent to the grandmother’s room to display vases, books and mementos.

The fir dining room table was made by David Bertman Designs and is surrounded by plastic Kartell Masters chairs.

This 3D model details the layout of the completed three-level condo. The newest level is on the bottom, below the two original levels. Essentially, the bottom floor is its own stand-alone apartment, which was a consideration for the future.

“Someday, the homeowner might want to rent [out] the space,” Keane says.

Carving out the ceiling for a large staircase was too difficult and costly, Keane says. So instead, they added an elevator, which in the long run is more beneficial.

Behind the grandmother’s bedroom is a library and workstation, which adds to the circuitous theme of the layout. The fir beam adds character. The original oak floors were patched and resanded.

Built-ins provide additional storage. Fir, richly stained in a dark brown, was installed on the stairs and landing that lead to the area, as well as to the daughter’s bedroom.

Bright white paint was chosen for the walls and ceilings, keeping the place airy and sleek.

White tiles, backsplash and Ikea vanities updated the bathroom. Here’s a look at the new elevator that connects the three levels.

Tiles and backsplash: Ann Sacks