The Wright Cottage

The project resides in a historic district within the city of Ashland in Oregon, and special approval, consideration, and review was required for the design of this new single family home. The project architecture firm, Holsman Architecture + Design, performed a site analysis of the existing local context to help influence the exterior conceptual form for the cottage. The intent of the design is to compliment the local historic architecture, without mimicking the surrounding buildings. The design needed to support of the pattern language of the neighborhood streets. Simple geometry, steep roofs, 1/2 story at second level, connection to the public space, and street infill with an accessory dwelling unit were all strategies to achieve this goal.

Despite having a historically influenced exterior, the interior design of the residences is clean and modern. The layout includes an open floor plan for the kitchen, living, and dining room. Connection to the exterior is Achieved through two ‘Nana Wall’ systems, which open to the rear porch and balcony. A guest bath, laundry, and study are on level 1, and the master bed / bath with 2 additional bedrooms and respective bath are on level 2. Skylights in the dormer roof within each bedroom allow for the tenants to sleep under the stars.

The project completed earlier this year, and has since received a ‘Distinguished Architectural Preservation Award’ from Ashland’s historic commission.