Portfolio: Oak Street Colonial

By Jenny Guggenheim

Today I am happy to share a few scenes from Fig's Oak Street Kitchen project located in the heart of Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood.  The final product conveys a sense of history, permanence, and livable scale.  The fine craftsmanship convinces the viewer that this kitchen has always been a part of this beautiful 1923 center hall Colonial, and the careful millwork details further support the sense of longevity.

Oak Street is home to a beautiful and active family of five, with a sincere love for the meaning and connection to their space.  Our priorities were to first support their family's lifestyle then follow with aesthetics and texture.  This kitchen was created for copious amounts of cooking and baking, craft projects, origami folding, and welcoming parties.  I for one can't wait to see the patina develop on that 8 foot solid butcher block-- for which I'm sure their active 3-year-old will have no trouble helping out.

The decorative lighting and hardware were all sourced and fabricated only a few miles from the site.  While we were mindful with material choices, I do believe the most sustainable feature of this design lies in it's longevity.  There is nothing more sustainable that a space that never needs to be torn down or remodeled again.

Products and Materials:  Ann Sacks Tile, Caesarstone Countertops, Kohler Plumbing Fixtures

This project was a pleasure to complete and particularly special to me as I gained new friends as a result of the design process.  I predict many fun-filled evenings around the massive kitchen island and an unlimited supply of family time.  We are happy to be helping our client furnish their Sunriver home in the near future.  Stay tuned for more.

Project Team 
Architect:  Giulietti/Schouten Architects
Contractor:  Hammer and Hand
Custom Casework:  Bob Anderson
Photography Credit: Josh Partee Photography

More more, check out the Oak Street Album on Fig's Facebook Page.  We've included additional rooms and detail shots.

Exploring Portland's Bitar Mansion

If the iconic peacock entry motif doesn't impress you, I don't know what will.  I recently had the pleasure of touring the 12,000 sq. ft. Bitar Mansion with Giulietti/Schouten Architects on sunny afternoon in SE Portland.  The mansion is up for sale and is in desperate need of some care.  This place rivals (if not surpasses) the Pittock Mansion in the West Hills and really deserves to be purchased by someone who can appreciate the architecture and original details of this historical register-worthy gem. 

The listing agent, Tommy Jedrzejczyk,  gave us an incredibly detailed tour of each beautiful room.  Thoughtful details such as hidden operable window screens, secret storage nooks, and custom plasterwork are found throughout the home.  Beautifully patterned floors are solid and in nearly perfect condition-- I don't think I heard a squeak from a single board. 

My favorite room in the home had to be the solarium with center-situated fountain.  I could imagine sipping the day away in a luxurious chaise lounge and tending to my plants in style.  

Though the custom bathroom tile isn't necessarily my taste, I can't deny it's impressive color.  Check out that pink (original) throne and custom-glazed men's shaving sink.

This home definitely had it's moment in the sun, and now it's time for someone to breath new life into the property.  The sad reality is that there is no longer a functional kitchen, the landscaping is all but destroyed, the basement-level ballroom and speakeasy bar needs total restoration, and the exterior needs some extra TLC.  However, listed at $1.6 it's a steal for anyone who appreciates this level of historical detail.  Elenore Roosevelt, concert pianist Van Cliburn, and a laundry list of Portland celebrities have all been guests on the property--- who will you invite for tea?

Dave Giulietti and his team have some excellent ideas for restoring the property to it's proper splendor.  With a little heart, this property could once again be the jewel of Laurelhurst.

Fritz Studio :: Giulietti/Schouten Architects

Last weekend was filled with wonderful design events, including the Portland Center for Architecture's AIA home tour (I was a docent at the King residence), the Lions Club Illumination Auction (more details to follow), and the grand opening party for Kristin Fritz's artist studio designed by Giulietti/Schouten Architects.  I've been watching this project take shape over the course of the last few months and was very excited to see the design come to life. 

Located in what was essentially an unusable area of Kristin's backyard, the studio gently responds to the existing home and landscape.  In fact, the architects designed the footprint to avoid the removal of any trees. 

The large sliding glass doors create a flexible space and were perfect for this party, allowing guests to easily meander in and out. 

I love how flexible this space can be- parties, long-term guests, or simply a gallery.  It's proven to be a huge asset to the existing home and I'm going to tuck this idea away for my future dream house.  One can dream, right?

Project Completion Tour

Yesterday I had the chance to visit PCC: Willow Creek with my former colleagues and design team at GBD Architects, Inc.  I'd say the project was a great success and sets new precedent for our local community college.  My role included space planning, finish selection, and interior detail development.  Hopefully we'll have access to some professional photos in the near future, but mine will have to do for now.  Enjoy!

PCC: Willow Creek

Ground Floor Circulation

Main Circulation Spine

Vertical Circulation

The blue canopies call out classrooms and PCC offices

Lighting design by Benya

A pop of playfulness with Maharam wallcovering.  This is a perfect example of standard fixtures required by public institutions.  In order to keep streamlined maintenance, all fixtured must be uniform, thus, the dispenser mounted on the concrete wall.  Sometimes the designer just can't control everything!

We are shooting for LEED Platinum!

Terra Cotta Rain Screen

These sculptures actually rise and fall in correspondence with the property's water cistern.  They serve as a great educational element.

PCC: Willow Creek Completed January 2010

Alt Wedding in The Pearl

Tanner Springs Park in Portland's Pearl District: beautiful, unique and free! Did I mention free?

real ceremony captured by Jessica Hill

Eames House, Santa Monica

Everyone has some sort of bucket list (if you don't, you should really start one!) and I was very happy to check this destination off of my list! I've been wanting to see the Eames House since my first day at architecture school. The highlight of the visit was getting the chance to see the 2nd Eames Lounge to roll off of the assembly line! Charles and Ray Eames designed with both a creative and practical eye, always allowing the body to guide their forms. Their design principles have always been an inspiration in my own work. I'm greatful that the Eames Foundation continues to allow the public to see this beautiful home!

Here are a few images of their home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA. Sorry, no interior shots were allowed.

Featured Portland Interior: Lattin Residence

Created by Giulietti/Schouten Architects of Portland, OR, the Lattin Residence encompasses all of the sides of Northwest modern design that I love. They've managed to create a minimal interior that still evokes a sense of warmth and remains approachable. I can just imagine curling up with my laptop in that great Corbusier lounge on a rainy PDX day...

Images courtesy of www.giuliettiassoc.com