Modern Houses in Portland

“Initially the design had the studios completely separated from the main house with a sort of breezeway in between,” says Stern, who ultimately decided to physically connect them in a way that evokes walking through the outdoors. “The studios and breezeway are separated from the main house with pocket doors to create privacy when needed, and allow it to function as a separate guest suite for overnight visitors.”

In the dining area, a garage door opens up to the adjacent courtyard, thereby doubling the size of the space. "The garage door simply lifts out of the way and does not need the same amount of space as french doors or even accordion walls," Baird says of the choice.

The house's triangle pattern is also visible in the skylight hovering over the double-height main space. The ceiling beams are designed to resemble a honeycomb..

A cantilevered second floor addition wrapped in black corrugated steel gives Nick Oakley's home in the Alberta district of Portland an industrial feel from the outside, one that is countered by the welcoming, wood-dominated interior.

The dining table is one of several custom pieces in the house by Steve White Design.