Originally designed by architect Van Evera Bailey in 1941, the Sinclair House has been carefully restored to its original architectural character by Will Pritikin of Aforma Design + Build, Jeff Stern of In Situ Architecture, and Garza Construction. The team spared no detail in restoring this timber-clad home to its pristine form, while modernizing it for our time.
A refined, simple exterior palette of wood, stucco, and concrete allows the true architectural form to shine and blend in with the landscape.
In tune with Bailey's awareness of environmental context, the home's panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and its connection to the land form a strong foundation. The indoors bleed out, and the outdoors lead in to expansive living spaces with astounding views. Outdoor terraces step down the hillside, with commanding views always in focus.
The wood-clad home sits between tall native grasses and dense foliage.
A large ipe deck nestled into the hillside is hidden from the road above.
The upper deck, surrounded by a glass rail, is an ideal spot to enjoy panoramic Portland views.
The hillside home enjoys picturesque views of the Cascade Mountains.
Totaling 3,590 square feet, the new design expands and reconfigures the layout while strengthening the original concept. A new two-car garage, two bedrooms, and a bathroom replace the original garage. The design team removed supporting walls at the spiral staircase, exposing the sculptural stair as it climbs from the lower level to the second story. Simple details convert the home from dilapidated to modern.
Walnut casework anchors both sides of the original fireplace. Steel plate provides a modern interpretation of the traditional hearth.
Spaces flow freely from one to the next, creating a continuous open floor plan.
Picturesque views surround this master bedroom. From the relaxation and comfort of the indoors, you can enjoy all the surrounding landscape has to offer.
Shop the Look
Even in the master bathroom, the views do not go unnoticed. A picture window perfectly frames Mount Hood in the distance.
White oak floors, walnut cabinets and doors, and bright white walls transform the interior while allowing the original architecture to shine. Floor-to-ceiling glass draws the focus to the surrounding landscape and distant Portland views.
A George Nelson lamp hangs atop the marble dining room table. The open concept blends kitchen and dining as one.
Walnut cabinets and crisp white countertops create a streamlined, modern kitchen.
A large picture window provides endless views of the Cascade Mountains from this contemporary, open kitchen.
A new hydronic radiant system replaces the original baseboard heaters, increasing efficiency and comfort. If you're looking to relax or jam out, the home's new audio system fulfills your needs. Although it was built in 1941, today it's a modern home with smart systems.
On the lower level, a three-sided fireplace doubles as a room divider that separates the media room from an office space.
The lower level has enough space for a second living room.
Each of the home's bedrooms is situated to enjoying the stunning mountain views.
In the bathroom, a floating wood vanity adds a simple modern touch. A large, seamless mirror and windows allow daylight to fill this small space.
On the exterior, the design team revived the stained cedar siding, wood-clad windows, and integral colored stucco. A new concrete retaining wall follows the hillside, creating a dynamic yard that provides privacy and landscaped surrounds.
Clad in natural materials, the residence is truly at home in the Pacific Northwest. Tall glazing provides a glimpse inside, with peeks of the elegant, spiral stair.
The home's unique spiral staircase can be seen through the home's exterior.
The rear of the home provides the feeling of a tree house suspended high up in the canopy.
The Sinclair House is currently listed for $1,745,000 by Listing Agent Suzann Baricevic Murphy and Selling Agent Jeff Weithman. Check out the complete details on this modern home at Real Estate Through Design - (w)here Real Estate.
Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit your property.
Project Credits:
Original Architect: Van Evera Bailey
Architect of Record: Jeff Stern, In Situ Architecture / @insituarchitecture
Contractor: Will Pritikin, Aforma
Subcontractor: Garza Construction
Get the Real Estate Newsletter
From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.