Residence For A Doctor & His Family

The client for this house in Oregon's capital city was an orthopedic surgeon and his wife. They approached the architect with the request for an expressive home, to be sited on their property along the brow of a low hill. Unfolding on one level, the home was designed to take advantage of the view into the valley below as well as providing every interior space with natural light from at least two directions. Additionally, the clients were active in the local hospice program and wanted the ability to open their home to patients. Thus, the plan was conceived to be a series of interlocking circular forms to provide for barrier-free movement throughout the house and yet also create a continual sense of anticipation of the spaces beyond. Upon seeing his requirements incorporated into the plan, the client stated, "This is what I was dreaming of but could not explain to anyone."