Green Hills Way

Designed for a creative and active family of five, Greenhills Way balances the needs of growing teenagers with spaces tailored for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday family life. Located in Portland's desirable Southwest Hills, the project began with a search for a homesite that could accommodate both the family's vision and the unique challenges often found on the area's remaining buildable lots.

The selected property featured a dramatic 30-foot elevation change from the street to a natural terrace below, offering the rare opportunity for a generous backyard within an established neighborhood. Rather than working against the site's topography, the home was carefully designed and built by iBuildPdx to follow the contours of the hillside, allowing it to sit naturally within the landscape.

The 4,479-square-foot residence is organized across multiple levels to create distinct zones for family living and entertaining. The upper level welcomes visitors through the main entry and includes bedrooms and bathrooms for the children and guests, a dedicated game room, powder room, and garage. A striking floating white oak staircase connects to the primary living level below, where the kitchen, dining room, living room, media room, study, pantry, powder room, and private primary suite are thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and functionality.

A strong connection to the outdoors was central to the design. Oversized sliding glass doors from the kitchen, dining, and living areas, along with expansive walls of glass, open to a series of terraced decks that cascade toward the backyard. These outdoor living spaces extend the home's footprint and create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.

A distinctive 15-degree bend at the center of the home allows the structure to respond to the lot's geometry while embracing the outdoor terraces. Dramatic cantilevered rooflines along the south and east elevations provide shade for the soaring 21-foot windows during the summer months, while the exposed post-and-beam structure establishes a rhythmic architectural expression that is reflected throughout the home's detailing and glazing.

From the street, Greenhills Way presents a welcoming and understated presence. Upon entering, the home unfolds dramatically, revealing a vaulted great room anchored by a striking black brick fireplace and framed by expansive windows that draw in natural light and views. The terraced decks and landscaped backyard become a natural extension of the interior spaces, transforming a challenging hillside site into a home that feels both connected and expansive.

Architect | Craig Wollen Turn Design
Portland, Oregon