Sunset Knoll House
The sloping site for this modest, two bedroom house provides views through an oak savanna to Oregon's Yamhill Valley and the Coastal Mountain Range. Our clients asked for a simple, modern, comfortable house that took advantage of both close and distant views. It's long bar-shaped plan allows for views from each space, maximum day-lighting and natural ventilation. Centered in the bar in the great room, which includes the living, dining and kitchen spaces. To one side is a large deck and terrace off the other. The material palette is simple: beams, windows, doors and cabinets are all Douglas Fir and the floors are all either hardwood or slate.
The home owners may have said it best when they describe the journey to their dream home.... "Over a year ago, we decided to build a custom home on 5 acres of land in Yamhill County wine country. We wanted a special design to celebrates this lovely setting, and also wanted something that fit our needs for efficient, “modern ranch” living, now that we’re retired. Fortunately we found Richard Brown Architect AIA. Comparing his work to other architects, he did not just follow a particular style, but could translate clients’ concepts into truly unique structures.
The first few meetings confirmed that Richard was the listener we believed him to be, and we understood why his projects are a great translation of owners' needs. He helped us select a wonderful construction company, Modern Organic Construction, and they worked hand-in-hand with RBA, seamlessly. That working relationship made a significant contribution to our project.
Richard and his team have a communication style that always made us feel listened to, and part of the process. Time after time, Richard and the RBA team designed features we never could have anticipated, but that really fit our needs. What we really appreciated was that although we worked primarily with the project designers on certain phases, Richard followed every step personally, which was so reassuring as the design proceeded. Throughout the process, the RBA team was always available to listen, answer questions, and propose solutions, to positively further and refine the design.
We owe so much to RBA for making this one-of-a-kind home of our dreams a reality."