Ponderosa Bend is the inaugural project of a series initiated by Malaspina Design, a prominent firm specializing in sustainable housing design based in Oregon, USA, under the leadership of Gerardo Pandal. The design for the house was commissioned to FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol, a Madrid-based design practice led by architects Pablo Oriol and Fernando Rodríguez, to venture into blending Pacific Northwest dream home aesthetics with modern architecture.
Gerardo has been friends with Madrid-based Fernando and Pablo from FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol for over 10 years. Their friendship inspired Gerardo to position Malaspina Design as a firm that offers a connection between the richness of the Oregonian landscape and modern European design. World-renowned architects FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol offer a European contemporary design that Malaspina Design adapts to the locality of Bend, Oregon, resulting in houses at the forefront of modern architecture.
The primary aim was to introduce a unique contemporary architectural option in Bend, a city known for its traditional lodge-type houses. Challenges emerged from the ambitious scale of the project, unfamiliarity with materials like aluminum panels and microcement, and local engineering standards. The construction phase experienced hurdles such as a window supply shortage due to the pandemic, and engineering validation issues concerning the innovative use of glulam beams and non-load bearing walls which required recalibration to meet local standards.
Ponderosa Bend piqued significant curiosity and engagement from the local community. The unconventional design and construction process drew neighbors to observe the progress, with some initially mistaking it for a multi-story building. As construction advanced, the house became a local landmark, even part of the Bend visitors tour, reflecting its distinctive presence in the traditional architectural landscape of Bend.
Managing the cost was challenging due to the novelty of materials used and the unforeseen labor and installation times. The design phase lasted 9 months while the construction extended for 20 months. Despite the project exceeding the budget by 25%, diligent supervision by Gerardo helped in avoiding a potential doubling of costs. The usage of uncommon materials posed a risk of exponential cost increase, but rigorous oversight maintained it within a feasible overage.
As the project's title suggests, the house's unique features include a design centered around an old ponderosa tree. The construction includes concrete flooring with light gray microcement, aluminum panels for non-bearing walls, and innovative use of glulam beams for structural support. The design also showcased a distinct relationship between interior and exterior spaces, characterized by changing floor levels with the sloping landscape and a continuous window along the perimeter offering a unique view of the outside.
The house not only marked the inception of Malaspina Design but also showcased a different architectural narrative in Bend. It demonstrated the feasibility of integrating contemporary design in a traditionally inclined community. This project has paved the way for more innovative designs by Malaspina Design, changing the architectural dialogue in Bend and opening up new possibilities for modern, sustainable housing in the region.
Ponderosa Bend accommodates Gerardo, his wife Ofe, and their two children, with an additional guest room doubling as an office. A shared bathroom between the children's rooms promotes familial interaction, mirroring Gerardo's belief in sharing as a crucial life lesson. The design also fosters a close connection with nature and the surrounding landscape, aligning with the family's appreciation for the natural environment in Bend.
Bend has seen a cultural and demographic shift, with an influx of individuals from California enhancing its real estate appeal. Ponderosa Bend, embodying a blend of modern design and natural aesthetics, reflects this transformative phase, offering a fresh architectural narrative while honoring the city's innate connection to nature. Its completion represents a broader acceptance of contemporary designs, indicating a progressive architectural trajectory for Bend.
Team:
Architects: Malaspina
Photographer: LGM Studio
