Neal Creek Residence : By Paul McKean Architecture

Hood River, Oregon, United States
Paul McKean Architecture
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

The Neal Creek residence treads lightly upon its surroundings, maximizing valley and water views with minimal impact to the natural environment. The owners – windsurfing and snowboarding enthusiasts – were interested in a modest weekend retreat that would be highly efficient and ecologically minded. Their wooded two-acre parcel of land presented many unique challenges including wetlands, creek protection setbacks, and floodplain restrictions.

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

The design solution for the two-bedroom house addresses these issues by elevating the habitable space one full floor above grade. Views to the creek are enhanced from this position and the living spaces float within the tree tops. Lifting the main space protects the house from potential flooding and brush fire damage while making way for a covered outdoor patio and much needed gear storage below. At the uppermost level, a future planted roof will replace the landscape lost to the building footprint and reduces heat gain to the interior spaces.

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

Photo © Courtesy of Paul McKean

situation plan--drawing Courtesy of Paul McKean Architecture

lower floor plan--drawing Courtesy of Paul McKean Architecture

upper floor plan--drawing Courtesy of Paul McKean Architecture

The people

Architects: Paul McKean Architecture
Location: Hood River, Oregon, United States
Project team: Paul McKean, Amy Donohue
Client: Paul McKean, Amy Donohue
Project Year: 2007
Constructed area: 93 sqm
Photographs: Paul McKean

The product

Bathroom Equipment: Toto
Dual-Flush Toilets by Toto
Floor: Tigerwood Flooring
FSC T&G, with Oslo vegetable based sealer by Tigerwood Flooring
Joinery: Pella, Solatube
Metal clad wood windows by Pella
Skylight by Solatube
Kitchen Equipment: Uline, Bosch

Related articles

• Neal Creek Residence / Paul McKean Architecture (archdaily.com)