Idea House

Idea House is a residence in a southwest Portland neighborhood, designed by JHL Design for the firm’s principals and their family. The project began with a derelict structure on a wooded site; the original house was removed down to its foundation, with only the lower level footprint retained. The brief called for a home suited to a family of six and oriented to take advantage of the mature trees surrounding the site. The design introduces expansive windows throughout, framing views of the forest and maximizing daylight. The material palette features concrete floors for durability and a sense of groundedness, while extensive plywood paneling brings visual warmth to the interiors. The collaboration with RESIDENTIAL Custom Homes Interiors informed the interior design approach, supporting the architectural emphasis on simple, robust materials and a strong connection to the landscape.

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