Nestled atop a plot adorned with sagebrush, bitterbrush, and junipers, Octothorpe House's commitment to sustainable architecture seamlessly integrates into its high desert surroundings. Designed by Mork-Ulnes Architects, this residence in Bend, Oregon, offers a unique blend of environmental consciousness, flexibility, and a deep connection with the captivating landscape.
(Photo: Jeremy Bittermann)
The Clients and Their Vision
Octothorpe House was envisioned by clients Mike and Katherine, who sought to trade their urban lifestyle for a more outdoor-centric existence for their young child. Originally from the UK and Texas, the couple was drawn to Bend's allure, characterized by a high desert climate, snowy winters, and a diverse topography that caters to outdoor enthusiasts.
The couple's vision was clear: an environmentally progressive home that harmonized with the desert landscape, providing two bedrooms for their family and two guest bedrooms for visitors. Flexibility was paramount, requiring spaces that could serve multiple functions efficiently while remaining budget-conscious.
Construction Method and Environmental Impact
The architects selected Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) construction as a low-waste, high-efficiency technique. Because all the materials were pre-cut off-site, the factory could recycle responsibly and produce less waste on-site. Using responsibly harvested wood to make the CLT panels reduced the project's carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
The interior walls predominantly feature cross-laminated pine, spruce, and fir panels, contributing to excellent air and acoustic qualities. Shou Sugi Ban, a burned cedar wood known for its durability and resistance to decay and fire, was used for the exterior, requiring minimal maintenance over time.
(Photo: Jeremy Bittermann)
The Concept and Design
Encompassing 3,340 square feet, Octothorpe House unveils an ingenious single-floor layout. Four intersecting shed-roofed bars divide the space into public and private areas, with a fully enclosed central courtyard and seven semi-enclosed ones at the perimeter, e. This ensures that the room receives abundant light and air.
The criss-cross plan fosters cross-ventilated air movement and integrates concealed solar shades to shield south-facing rooms from the intense Oregon high-desert sun. Inspired by Donald Judd's Chinati Foundation, the interiors boast a color palette that mirrors the natural desert landscape, with simple wool and felt furnishings complemented by wood and leather elements.
(Photo: Jeremy Bittermann) (Photo: Jeremy Bittermann)
The Layout and Connection with Nature
The house is organized around light-filled spaces that provide glimpses into the central courtyard and panoramic views of the sky and surrounding desert. The atypical arrangement fosters a delightful connection with the rugged site, surrounded by native shrubs and rock formations.
Tuned to the muted color palette of the high desert, Octothorpe House features Shou Sugi Ban cedar board siding that takes on an ashen hue outdoors. The smooth cross-laminated panels create an intimate and cozy ambiance, enhancing the connection with nature.
The Central and Perimeter Courtyards
The central and perimeter courtyards serve as focal points, framing sky views, introducing ample natural light, and facilitating optimal ventilation. During warmer months, the living space seamlessly expands into these courtyards, creating a porous environment filled with scents and sounds from the outside.
In winter, passive heating through floor-to-ceiling windows maintains a connection with the outdoors despite being sealed off from the surroundings. Octothorpe House offers an ephemeral yet striking sense of liberty, blending sustainable design with a profound connection to the ever-changing beauty of Bend's high desert landscape.
Octothorpe House is an environmentally conscious piece of art that blends a deep respect for the surrounding landscape with a sustainable haven. It is more than just a house. In Bend, Oregon, Mork-Ulnes Architects designed a home that fulfills the owners' vision and sets a higher standard for sustainable, ecologically conscious living.
