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."

A walkway along the west side of the home, provides coverage and views from the driveway to the front entry.
A walkway along the west side of the home, provides coverage and views from the driveway to the front entry.
The covered walkway is enveloped by cedar planks and lush oak canopies.
The covered walkway is enveloped by cedar planks and lush oak canopies.
A playful wood screen greets visitors at the front entry, as well as providing support for a cushioned bench seat. Durable materials such as the Doug Fir cabinetry, White Oak flooring and a slate tile floor provide warmth and longevity.
A playful wood screen greets visitors at the front entry, as well as providing support for a cushioned bench seat. Durable materials such as the Doug Fir cabinetry, White Oak flooring and a slate tile floor provide warmth and longevity.
The great room, housed under a dramatic tongue and groove Cedar soffit, is flanked by views towards the East and West.
The great room, housed under a dramatic tongue and groove Cedar soffit, is flanked by views towards the East and West.
The kitchen island overlooks the length of the great room. The robin's egg blue laminate on the lower cabinet faces, evokes the soft grey of the home's exterior siding.
The kitchen island overlooks the length of the great room. The robin's egg blue laminate on the lower cabinet faces, evokes the soft grey of the home's exterior siding.
The kitchen defines the Northern edge of the great room.  High East facing windows bathe the room in early morning light.
The kitchen defines the Northern edge of the great room. High East facing windows bathe the room in early morning light.
Full height corner windows in the master bedroom frame views towards the Yamhill Valley beyond.
Full height corner windows in the master bedroom frame views towards the Yamhill Valley beyond.
A sculptural skylight bathes the master bathroom in natural light.  A single level of tile floor allows easy access to the full height glass shower at the room's end.
A sculptural skylight bathes the master bathroom in natural light. A single level of tile floor allows easy access to the full height glass shower at the room's end.