Inspired by the textures and colors of the surrounding landscape, this Bend retreat reflects a highly collaborative partnership between owners and architects. The house is organized around a series of light-filled spaces—entry, courtyard, living, terrace—and incorporates sliding and swinging panels that blur the boundaries between public and private, domestic and desert.

What was the brief?

Seven years ago, our clients, Nancy and Joey, fell in love with Bend’s high desert landscape, its low key local culture, fabulous food and boundless outdoor activities. For Joey, it was the place to start a new chapter after a successful career as a financial consultant. Nancy envisioned a place to recharge while continuing to lead her thriving interior design practice in Seattle. When they spotted a lot with sweeping views of snowcapped peaks and the Deschutes National Forest, they knew they’d found their next home.

How is the project unique?

House As “Swiss Army Knife”: sliding and swinging panels enable spaces to expand and contract as needed for the owners, a few guests or large gathering. At the entry courtyard, a rolling screen and swinging gate can be configured to be cozy and private, or wide open and welcoming. The cabinet wall between the living room and master suite features 5 sliding panels that conceal (or reveal), a fireplace, tv, storage, and bedroom spaces. And finally, a large hinged wall section can be closed to turn a sunny sitting area into a guest bedroom.

High Desert Palette: Inspired by its surroundings, Nancy’s vision was to create an exterior palette that blended with the varied textures and subtle colors of the desert, so the structure would rest quietly on the lot. The interior tone is set by a 100+ year old lilac trunk that welcomes visitors and continues the organic statement.

Cool, Calm, and Collected: the home’s clean lines and simple, light-filled volumes create a backdrop for evolving collections: a row of vintage catcher’s masks and softballs, large industrial gears.

The Outside Inside–The house is organized around as a series of light-filled spaces–entry, courtyard, living, terrace–that blur the boundaries between the domestic and the desert. Even in more personal spaces, hidden skylights and unexpected windows help capture the surrounding sky and landscape.