Slender House by Waechter Architecture and Nakamoto Forestry Featured in Dwell
The local Portland project features Nakamoto Forestry Gendai in Black shou sugi ban siding
One of our favorite local Portland projects has been getting some attention recently for its creative modern design within tight space constraints. Designed by Waechter Architecture, the Slender House measures just 15 feet wide by nearly 50 feet long, hence the nickname. The American Institute of Architects’ Portland Chapter gave the project a design award for its creative use of space in 2018, highlighting the vaulted ceilings in the master suite and the large windows allowing natural light in on the South side. Nakamoto Forestry worked with Waechter Architecture to supply the black exterior siding for the entirety of the design, which helped to create a beautiful, black monolith that rises above all of the surrounding buildings and looks out over the rooftops of the neighborhood.
From Dwell:
“On the ground floor we envisioned the entire property, 25 feet by 100 feet, as what we call a carpet,” Waechter explains, noting the pattern of stone pavers filling the full site. “The idea is the outside space is actually the main room, and within that are these smaller buildings. It’s trying to be more fluid from indoors to outdoors.”
Ben Waechter, AIA
The home is defined by its simple, elegant material palette and precise detailing. The design team used the same white oak for the home’s flooring, cabinetry, and doors.
“The whole south side of the house is windows,” he says. “No matter where you are, top or bottom, you feel connected.”
Now, the home has been featured in Dwell alongside 14 other architectural designs that maximize the space available in narrow lots. If your next project is tight on space, read on for more design inspiration!
Full Dwell article here
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