This modern structure is a new primary residence for a soon-to-be-retired professor of mathematics. The three-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath custom home is primarily on two floors but features a third-story look-out containing a study and presenting panoramic views of the gorge. Large picture windows on the main living floor open the interior to notable views on two distinct axes: the westerly view presents a view of the Columbia River as it winds its way toward Portland, the northerly view frames the majestic Mt. St. Helens. The bottom-most level is a two-bedroom accessory dwelling area for extended family to be used during extended visits. A three-car garage makes space for snow removal equipment, two vehicles and a limited shop. The home features a rooftop photovoltaic array providing enough electric power to sell back to the utility district during much of the year, and a geothermal loop for heating and cooling. Corrugated metal siding and standing seam roofing meets the safety requirements of the area that is prone to forest fires.

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

On first glance, this staircase reads as restrained. White oak treads rise with natural warmth, metal balusters hold their disciplined rhythm, and the painted black railing traces a clean, straight path upward. Then you notice the elliptical stringer wrap, and the whole composition shifts. Unlike a circular curve drawn with a compass, an ellipse requires mathematical calculation and a craftsman who knows how to make that complexity disappear. Here, it does exactly that. Natural light finishes the story. Moving through the space across the day, it deepens the oak grain, catches the metal, and lets the black railing guide the eye along the handrail's elliptical path from start to finish. Restraint brought the design this far. One well-executed curve made it memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company