Skyview House, Inverts its Layout for More Natural Living by William Kaven

Date of Publishing: April 19, 2022

Contents

Architecture Design of Skyview House

Description About The Project

Skyview House designed by William Kaven Architecture, to take advantage of the site’s location in Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District. The narrow lot has views of several of the Cascade Mountains, including Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. This home overlooks Portland’s historic Montgomery Park building, which formerly housed the operations of the pioneering department store retailer Montgomery Ward. Indeed, this four storey Skyview inverts its layout to take advantage of more natural living.

The primary living quarters, entertainment spaces, and kitchen are located on the top floor, where unobstructed views become the backdrop for floor to ceiling glass walls that part at the corners. The fourth level is where one can find the living and dining rooms, lounge, and kitchen. There’s also a North and South terrace, as well as a water feature. The third floor is the master suite. It has access to two more terraces, as well as a balcony. And just so that the second floor doesn’t feel left out, it, too, features both a terrace and a balcony. Also, a courtyard is found at street level. Skyview’s ground level houses a custom designed art studio, complete with a CNC machine, that opens to a ground level courtyard.

On the other hand, all four levels have accessible outdoor garden spaces, balconies, and terraces. Material selections made to minimize or eliminate VOCs for a healthy indoor environment. For comfort and energy efficiency, the extensive glazing is high performance low-E coated glass, and the heating system is an in-floor radiant system. Besides, well being and sustainability goals for this project included site selection in an urban walkable neighborhood; the use of biophilic design; and the creation of a comfortable and efficient indoor environment.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: Skyview House
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Project Year: 2020
Area: 4512 ft²
Designed by: William Kaven Architecture

This Skyview house embraces its site and the views offered. Indeed, windows and terraces strategically placed to maximize views and biophilic elements.

Skyview House, Inverts its Layout for More Natural Living by William Kaven

Also, structured with a core of board-formed concrete, Skyview house is clad in glazed terracotta, contributing a classic character to a distinctly modern home.

Then, the bath area opens onto a rooftop with an outdoor shower surrounded by lush foliage for privacy.

The Skyview House Gallery:

Text by the Architects: Situated on a narrow corner lot in Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District, the four story Skyview residence maximizes panoramic views of Portland’s tallest buildings, five bridges, and several of the Cascade Mountains’ most iconic peaks. Invert the typical residential program, Skyview’s primary living quarters, entertainment spaces, and kitchen are located on the top floor, where unobstructed views become the backdrop for floor to ceiling glass walls that part at the corners. The 30 foot elevation, accessible via a commercial elevator or a floating staircase, raises everyday living above the power lines and traffic noise of a bustling neighborhood.

Photo credit: Jeremy Bittermann / JBSA| Source: William Kaven Architecture

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 4075 N. Williams Ave, Studio 440 Portland, Oregon 97227, USA
– Tel: 503-841-5239
– Email: design@williamkaven.com