Extending seamlessly into Portland’s renowned Forest Park, William / Kaven Architecture’s Royal project is positioned at the coveted ecotone of forest and city. Located within minutes of downtown Portland, this airy, generously glazed modern dwelling cantilevers far above the forest floor among reaches of Douglas fir and vine maple. Royal is set into 0.65 forested acres less than 500 feet from the Balch Creek Forest and Forest Park, and boasts 735 square feet of exterior terraces and balconies overlooking a lush wooded expanse.
A dramatic 1.5-story foyer with clerestory windows leads into the main living area, which features white oak floors with dark walnut inlay borders, a substantial dual-fuel hearth, and a spacious kitchen lined with custom-designed, handcrafted oak cabinetry. Floor-to-ceiling glass and wall-to-wall sliding doors open to the forestscape, giving way to expansive terraces and unobstructed views of the natural flora cascading down to the valley floor.
Morning rays reach into all bedrooms, which are carefully oriented to optimize eastern exposure. Throughout the day, kitchen and living areas are flooded with southern light, while the deciduous canopy perennially exposes the diffuse winter sky and tempers the hot summer sun. The property is encircled by a vast network of hiking trails. Of the project, W/K partner Daniel Kaven says, “Royal is the first of a series of homes to be nested within an epic location deep in Forest Park. The thesis of the design was to live among the trees.”
The home, which was both designed and developed on spec by William / Kaven, sits on one of nine parcels owned by the studio and associated partners. The design includes four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, common areas with open floor plans, and an oversized garage. Royal is currently on the market and is staged with custom-made furniture from The Good Mod, a furniture house in Portland specializing in mid-century modern restoration and design.
