The River House
is a remodel of, and an addition to, a Colonial Revival style house on the
banks of the McKenzie
River. From the beginning
of the project, the designers and owners agreed on the need for authenticity in
both design and craftsmanship so that the existing home would seamlessly flow
into the addition. This required the use of traditional materials and
proportions, as well as excellent workmanship throughout.
We paid close
attention to classical forms, including the precise proportion of the columns
in the main hall. In the transition space between the old and the new, and the
columns create a dynamic sight line that takes your eye from the front to the
back of the house.
The family room
features a coffered, birds-eye maple ceiling that gives the room definition
from the adjacent hallways. The built-in cabinetry in the family room and wet
bar was designed to maintain the traditional feel of the house.
The views from all of
the new rooms are oriented towards the river. Each outdoor space provides a
unique experience in the way it connects the adjacent interior room and the
riparian landscape beyond. The terrace outside of the master bedroom suite is
very open, with columns on either side framing a picturesque view of the river.
In comparison, being partially enclosed by low stone walls and a cedar trellis
with a translucent canopy above, the outdoor kitchen and eating area is more
sheltered and private.